METRO MANILA — Cities across the National Capital Region held ceremonies on November 30, 2025, to commemorate the 162nd birth anniversary of national hero Andres Bonifacio, the Supremo of the Katipunan and a key figure in the Philippine Revolution.
Caloocan City Led a Major National Commemoration
In Caloocan City, Senator Loren B. Legarda led the national commemoration at the Bonifacio National Monument at 8:00 a.m. on November 30. She was joined by NHCP Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner, Representatives Oscar G. Malapitan (1st District), Edgar R. Erice (2nd District), and Dean Asistio (3rd District), along with Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan, Vice Mayor Karina Teh-Limsico, and Andres Bonifacio’s descendant, Atty. Arsenio Bonifacio.
The ceremony carried the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Laban: Katapatan at Katarungan Kontra Katiwalian,” calling on Filipinos to unite in upholding truth and justice.
As part of the commemoration, officials honored Bonifacio’s legacy as one of the country’s foremost heroes. Bonifacio co-founded the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangan, Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) in 1892 and later steered the movement that ignited the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. The revolution ultimately led to Philippine independence in 1898.
Bonifacio Day, established through Republic Act No. 9492, is the country’s second-oldest history-based national holiday, after Rizal Day. The NHCP, which co-organized the event, continues to promote and preserve Philippine history through its museums, historical research, publications, conservation works, and heritage site markers.
Manila Held Rites at Tutuban Monument
In the City of Manila, a modest ceremony was held at the Bonifacio Monument in Tutuban Center. Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso led the wreath-laying rites, accompanied by city officials and employees.
NHCP Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Projects Alvin R. Alcid represented the agency during the floral offering.
Bonifacio, born in Tondo in 1863, lived and worked in Manila during his formative years and even participated in theatre performances at Teatro Provenir in Trozo. The Katipunan was founded in Manila in 1892.
San Juan Honored the Hero at the Historic Pinaglabanan Shrine
San Juan City commemorated the occasion at the Dambana ng Pinaglabanan, led by Mayor Francisco Javier M. Zamora. He was joined by Representative Maria Ysabel J. Zamora, Vice Mayor Jose Angelo Rafael E. Agcaoili, NHCP Deputy Executive Director Rosario V. Sapitan, San Juan Police Chief Anthony C. Gantang, Fire Marshal Rae S. Sumedca, and City Jail Wardens Marcelino S. Yu and Gemma G. Dignadice.
Mayor Zamora urged public servants to uphold Bonifacio’s ideals through honest and responsible governance. He stressed that the fight for transparency and accountability continued, and government workers must lead by example.
San Juan played a crucial role in the Battle of San Juan del Monte in 1896, where the Katipunan attempted to seize strategic Spanish facilities such as El Polvorín and El Deposito.
BGC Paid Tribute at the Heart of a Modern City
In Taguig City, the Bonifacio Global City Estate Association, Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation, and Bonifacio Estate Service Corporation led a tribute at the Bonifacio Monument in BGC.
The wreath-laying was attended by Taguig 2nd District Representative Jorge Daniel S. Bocobo, NHCP Heritage Preservation Division Chief Arch. Reynaldo S. Lita, Barangay Fort Bonifacio Chairman Lysandre T. Vertulfo, and officials from the city government.
After the program, Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni L. Cayetano personally offered flowers at the shrine.
BGC takes its name from Fort Andres Bonifacio, one of the country’s largest and most significant military installations located in Taguig.
Quezon City Paid Tribute at Historic Balintawak
In Quezon City, Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Bonifacio Monument in Balintawak Cloverleaf on the morning of November 30. She was joined by Representatives Maria Victoria Co-Pilar (6th District) and Juan Carlos Atayde (1st District), along with Rommel R. Aquino, Head of the NHCP Materials Research Conservation Division.
Also present were representatives from various national agencies, city departments, barangay officials, and civil society organizations, all of whom offered flowers in honor of the hero.
Balintawak is recognized as one of the historic sites where members of the Katipunan gathered to launch the Philippine Revolution in 1896. It is home to one of the oldest monuments dedicated to Bonifacio and the Katipuneros who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
About Bonifacio Day
Bonifacio Day, celebrated every November 30 under Republic Act No. 9492, honors the birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio y de Castro, born in Tondo, Manila, in 1863.
Bonifacio’s leadership of the Katipunan and his courage in battles such as the Battle of Pinaglabanan and the assault in Montalban cemented his place as a symbol of bravery and patriotism. His nom de guerre, “Maypagasa,” reflected his belief in hope and resilience — virtues that continue to inspire Filipinos today.
