DOT Media Release – March 2013 Page 1

MEDIA RELEASE 14 March 2013

DOT, NHCP launch Byaheng Bonifacio

As part of the year-long commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Andres

Bonifacio, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Historical Commission of

the Philippines (NHCP) launched Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan at the

activity center of SM The Block in North EDSA.

Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan is part of the long list of activities

and events slated in 2013 to celebrate the accomplished and heroic life of Andres

Bonifacio, which culminates in the sesquicentennial of his birth on 30 November 2013.

It aims to renew the public’s interest in appreciating and taking pride of the history of

these often forgotten, if not overlooked, sites which played an important role in the life

of the Supremo, Katipunan, and Philippine Revolution of 1896. It identifies 16 important

sites tracing Bonifacio’s trail from his birthplace in Tondo, Manila; to the Katipuneros’

secret meeting place in Pamitinan Cave in Rodriguez, Rizal; to his place of martyrdom

in Maragondon, Cavite.

Byaheng Bonifacio invites people to visit and take photos of the places featured.

The first 100 participants to complete the pilgrimage shall receive a token and a

Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan certificate. The competition is open to

all domestic and foreign tourists.

Similar to Lakbay Jose Rizal, which was launched last year in commemoration of

Rizal@150, Byaheng Bonifacio is organized in partnership with the NHCP and relevant

local government units. SM has generously hosted the launching activity.

The DOT was represented by Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal, who called

on the public to visit the Bonifacio sites, get to know more about the hero, and discover

one’s self better. Also present during the launch were NHCP Executive Director

Leodovico Badoy, NHCP Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Projects, Arch.

Veronica Dado, SM City North EDSA Regional Operations Manager Arch. Renee

DOT Media Release – March 2013 Page 2

Bacani, SM City Vice President for Marketing Millie Dizon, and one of Andres

Bonifacio’s descendants, Atty. Gary Bonifacio.

NHCP Chair Dr. Maria Serena Diokno said that through Byaheng Bonifacio, it is

hoped that people will not only get to see these places in light of Bonifacio’s heroic trail,

but also realize the relevance of Bonifacio’s life, works, and achievements in their daily

lives.

“Part of who we are today and what we feel today, we owe much to our heroic

forebears who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. It is, therefore, the

Department’s mandate to preserve our rich colonial history, our heritage, alive for the

interest of the future Filipino generations. Byaheng Bonifacio is one perfect way to

remember with deep gratitude one of the greatest heroes in our history,” Tourism

Secretary Jimenez enthused.

For the complete details of the tour program, the public is advised to visit

www.tourism.gov.ph and www.nhcp.gov.ph or contact the Office of the Historic Sites

and Education Division of the NHCP at T.M. Kalaw Avenue, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila,

with telephone numbers: 524-9952 and 523-1019.

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DOT Media Release – March 2013 Page 3

The different flags of the Philippine revolution

"The Cry of Pugad Lawin" at Bahay Toro, Quezon City

DOT Media Release – March 2013 Page 4

Ribbon cutting at the Bonifacio@150 Exhibit (L-R): NHCP Executive Director Leodovico Badoy; SM City North EDSA Regional Operations Manager, Arch. Renee Bacani; Bonifacio's descendant, Atty. Gary Bonifacio; DOT Asec. Rolando Canizal; SM Vice President for Marketing Millie Dizon; and AVP for Marketing Ruby Ann Reyes.