Bonifacio Day

Bonifacio Day is a national holiday in the Philippines, commemorating Andrés Bonifacio, one of the country's national heroes. He was the founder and eventual ''Supremo'' of the Katipunan, a secret society that triggered the Philippine Revolution of 1896 against the Spanish Empire.

History

Since 1901, Bonifacio's birthday has been celebrated by civic organizations. By 1920, senator Lope K. Santos filed a bill to declare November 30 a holiday. In 1921, the governor general approved the bill as Act No. 2946. The law did not name Bonifacio and added November 30 to the list of holidays listed at Act No. 2711. In time, it became a holiday to commemorate all Filipino heroes; this persisted even when a separate National Heroes' Day holiday was declared in 1931. In 1942, November 30 was declared as National Heroes' Day. In 1952 (the Philippines by this time now independent), president Elpidio Quirino separated National Heroes' Day and Bonifacio Day by executive order. Quirino explained in a speech at the National Teachers College that the "change has become necessary because of the interest from different sectors of our country to celebrate each hero's anniversary in order to perpetuate his name."

Unlike Rizal Day which is held on the death anniversary of José Rizal, Bonifacio Day is celebrated on his birth date. This is because of the controversial events on which Bonifacio was executed by his fellow revolutionaries during time of the Philippine Revolution.

Ceremonies

Bonifacio Day ceremonies are usually held at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan, and is usually led by the incumbent president.

Bonifacio Days in history

In November 30, 1941, days before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, president Manuel L. Quezon warned of the impending war against the Japanese in a speech at the University of the Philippines Manila.

References

{{Public holidays in the Philippines

November events
Public holidays in the Philippines