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 150 th 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