Andres D. Bonifacio 147th Birth Anniversary on November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Andres Bonifacio’s birth anniversary celebration was first held on November 30, 1921, after the passage by the Philippine Legislature of Act No. 2946 declaring Andres Bonifacio’s birth date an official public holiday. The movement to erect a monument in his honor was started on April 23, 1903. On this date, his kin and friends launched a fund-raising campaign to erect a monument to preserve the hero’s memory. The Philippine Legislature enacted several laws providing funds for the project. The Andres Bonifacio Monument, now popularly called “Monumento” was inaugurated in 1929. The famous sculptor Guillermo E. Tolentino designed the monument.
Born of average means, Andres Bonifacio’s legacy to his countrymen was the Katipunan (Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan). He co-founded this radical society whose organization was to free the Filipino people from foreign domination. His greatness lay in his success in transforming the Katipunan into an avenging sword of the oppressed. He awakened his slumbering countrymen and made them realize that their redemption depended on themselves.
Today, we celebrate the birth of a Filipino who lived a most meaningful life. From his humble origins, Andres Bonifacio blazed into the pages of Philippine history. Andres Bonifacio crafted the Katipunan and made it the mighty weapon of the weak.
Heroes are the monuments of our country. We honor them to bring to the awareness of the succeeding generations that the liberties they enjoy today are the fruits of the sacrifices of their forefathers.
We honor Andres D. Bonifacio not only to preserve and perpetuate his ideals but also to foster him as a role model for the Filipino youth, to give them a concrete understanding of the hero's importance in our people’s life and future.

-Manila Bulletin
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/290045/andres-d-bonifacio-147th-birth-anniversary-november-30-2010