Ian Alfredo Magno
IN almost all parts of the world, countries usually have their greatest revolutionaries of old for a national hero. Perhaps one good reason could be that the notion of good versus evil had been deeply entrenched in the human mind even in the days of past, such that a fighting redeemer is admired way more than any other sweet-talker.
Such, however, is not the case in the Philippines, where we have a brilliant writer for a national hero. But as we remember the heroism of Gat Andres Bonifacio, we look at a man who, like the great revolutionaries of other great nations, fought for national freedom.
There is a psychology to this.
Man’s nature is such that he longs to be boundless. Clip him and he becomes restless. Transfer him to a bigger enclosure, yet as soon as he finds the boundaries that limit him, you find him struggling to break free. Remove the physical barriers, and this very same human being would soon want to break the limits of his mind – he would endeavor to learn, learn and learn more. And that is the reason why learning is a never-ending experience – for it is deeply rooted in man’s desire to be free from the limits – physical or intangible – that restrict his notion of freedom.
Experts say that there is something in heroes that separates them from the mediocre. Heroes are extremely compassionate individuals. According to expert Philip Zambardo, the core of heroism is a genuine concern for others; to defend a cause despite knowing that there exists a personal risk, but without expectation of a reward.
Meanwhile, one common cause heroes find worth dying for is, as history puts it, freedom for the motherland. Talk about freedom. At a time when the country was clipped by colonist oppression, it was Gat Andres who translated his great compassion for his folks into concrete action, which eventually immortalized his name.
Having said this, it would be worth learning from the virtues of this great individual. An article from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, after careful research, listed down the virtues – crowned with humility – we could learn from Gat Andres, thus:
- Optimistic and strong sense of responsibility
Andres Bonifacio was barely fourteen years old when they were orphaned. Without any hesitation, he assumed the responsibility of raising his younger siblings. In order to meet the daily needs of their family, he engaged in making and peddling of paper fans and wooden canes. Despite the fact that he cannot afford a formal education for himself, it did not prevent him from seeking knowledge by reading during his free time.
- Value for work and virtue of not wasting time
While working as clerk for Fleming and Company, Bonifacio also worked as poster-maker to augment his income. In the early phase of 1896, he shifted to another English company known as Fressels Company where he worked as an agent.
- Social responsiveness; Patriotism and love for his native language
Just like any other “Indio” of his time, Bonifacio felt the social malaise as a result of oppressive Spanish colonial administration. To make fellow Filipinos aware of the real condition of the country, he sold revolutionary leaflets near the University of Santo Tomas. Through the said act, Bonifacio actively responded to the call of the time to make a change.
When the Kalayaan, the official organ of the Katipunan, essays written by Bonifacio such as “Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog” and “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa” were included. Bonifacio encouraged the use of the vernacular in the association and opted to write in Tagalog, to show patriotism and love for his native language.
- Humility
Initially, Bonifacio wrote the “Decalogue” that embodied the teachings of the Katipunan. But soon after, Jacinto came up with his “Mga Aral ng Katipunan” to which, Bonifacio found to be superior to his own. Thus, he promptly withdrew the Decalogue and ordered the adaptation of Jacinto’s work. Such was the humility of a man.
(Ian Alfredo T. Magno is a lawyer and legal officer at Philheath. He is based in Cagayan de Oro. E-mail: ianalfredom@gmail.com.)
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