PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the youth on Tuesday to emulate Apolinario Mabini to succeed in life.
In his speech, President Marcos urged young Filipinos to continue immortalizing the life of Mabini towards a more progressive “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“Tinatawagan ko ang mga kabataang Pilipino ngayon na gawing inspirasyon at halimbawa ang buhay ni Apolinario Mabini upang magpunyagi sa buhay,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos made the remarks during the commemoration of the 160th birthday anniversary of Mabini at the Dambana ni Apolinario Mabini in Tanauan City, Batangas.
“Nawa’y higit [na] maunawaan ng mga [nakababatang] henerasyon ang kaniyang mga pilosopiyang pampulitika at panlipunan upang sila ay mahikayat na mag-ambag sa pagsulong ng ating bansa,” Marcos said.
“Si Mabini ay [nagpapatunay] sa kaisipan na ang bawat isa sa atin ay may kakayahang gumawa ng pagbabago at tumahak sa sariling landas tungo sa tagumpay, sa kabila ng iniindang kalagayan o anumang pagsubok,” he added.
President Marcos urged Filipinos to stand united in fulfilling the aspirations of Mabini towards a “Bagong Pilipinas” where everyone has an opportunity to become a productive member of a compassionate and united community.
Often referred to as the Sublime Paralytic, Mabini was born in poverty on July 23, 1864 in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas. He received his law degree in 1894 from the University of Santo Tomas. He contracted an illness in his 30’s, paralyzing his legs.
Despite the disability, Mabini developed an impressive mind and deep patriotism and lived a selfless life motivated by high ideals.
Mabini went to the forefront of the 1898 revolution against Spain. He became known as the brains of the revolution against the United States, and Chief adviser of General Emilio Aguinaldo in the same year.
He crafted the Constitution for the First Philippine Republic, including the framework of the revolutionary government implemented in Malolos, Bulacan in 1899. He was appointed as Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of then newly independent government of President Aguinaldo.
Mabini was arrested twice by the Americans, set free, and exiled to Guam. He expressed his love for the country through his passion for literature. And, one of his notable works was his memoir titled: “La Revolucion Filipina.”
Mabini died of cholera in 1903 at the age of 38.
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