Gat Andres Bonifacio to be honored in UP rites today

IN COMMEMORATION of the 154th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio, the Father of Citizen Soldiers, the Katipunan ng Mga Anak ng Bayang Pilipinas (KMAB), the Rainbow Rangers Alumni Association, the Department of Military Science and Tactics of the University of the Philippines and the Office of the Mayor, Quezon City will mount a morning program today at the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus, Quezon City where the Bonifacio Monument was transferred from Pugad Lawin in November 1968.

According to event organizers KMAB President Dave Madrid, Supremo, NCR Abner Luna and Board Director Agustin P. Nacino, the event, themed “Bayan Ko: Pananagutan Ko” will start at 8 a.m. with a wreath-laying and tribute to Bonifacio at the Bonifacio Monument fronting the UP Vinzons Hall to be led by Dean Danilo L. Concepcion, UP President and guest of honor.

The event will pay homage to Bonifacio, acknowledged as the father of citizen soldiers, for his exemplary achievement as the Patriot-Founder of the KKK, the first truly organized army recruited from raw citizens of the country. Highlights of the event are “TAPS,” three volleys and reading of KKK Decalogue. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who is a Reserve Colonel of the Philippine Army, will be the guest speaker.

The KMAB is the civic arm of the Rainbow Ranger Sunday Soldier Home Defense Program, and was dubbed in 1970 as the “second generation Alagad ni Bonifacio.” Its members performed the Ritual of Filial Piety of Honor, Valor, Humility and Tradition, shedding blood for God, Country and People.

All reservist volunteers of the SR and UW training course of UP, all former Rainbow Ranger trainees and Cadre, and the special training programs of “ANAHAW” and those whose advocacy is to train and develop our youth to be of service to our country and people in times of need are enjoined to attend the event.