Andres Bonifacio : Remembering the Father of Katipunan

FOR some, Bonifacio Day is merely remembered as a non-working day that we tend to forget on why such a holiday is commemorated.  

Growing up, we’ve often heard the name Andres Bonifacio especially in our Araling Panlipunan subject. Chances are, when our teachers asked us to name a national hero for our recitation, we probably mentioned his name along with Jose Rizal’s. 

Andres Bonifacio y de Castro was a Filipino revolutionary leader. He is regarded as the Father of The Philippine Revolution due to being the founder of the Katipunan back in 1892. 

Katipunan is a secret revolutionary society whose goal is to win the Philippine independence from Spain.   

Upon starting the Revolution, Bonifacio was inspired by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Bible, and The French Revolution. These later enabled his leadership abilities to rally a big following against the Spanish authorities. 

But the parish priest in Tondo discovered their plan, leading Bonifacio to get arrested. While being held captive by the Spanish authorities, Bonifacio and his men were able to escape to the hills of Balintawak. 

Later on, Bonifacio and his men raised their weapons, yelling, “Long live the Katipunan! Long live Philippine Independence!” This was followed by their ripping off their cedulas while shouting “Kalayaan” (freedom). This historic event later became known as the “Cry of Balintawak.” 

Although the revolution rapidly spread throughout the country, the Katipuneros were no match to the Spanish army, hence, leading to their eventual loss. 

After several turn of events, Bonifacio was ordered arrested by General Emilio Aguinaldo and charged with treason and sedition. He and his brother Procopio were executed in Maragondon, Cavite, in 1897. 

While the regular holiday is commemorated annually on November 30, the national hero’s birthday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instead moved it on November 27 (Monday) to extend the weekend.   

Bonifacio’s birthday has been marked by civic organizations since the year of 1901. Back in 1920, a bill filed by then Sen. Lope K. Santos honored Filipino hero Andres Bonifacio by making November 30 Bonifacio Day.