The country's chief historian and Caloocan City officials led by Mayor Enrico Echiverri unveiled on Monday a historical marker in ceremonies marking the 146th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio at the Monumento Circle in Caloocan City.

Ambeth Ocampo, chairman of the National Historical Institute (NHI), said the marker installed at the Bonifacio Monument described the aspirations of Bonifacio and other Filipino patriots during the 1896 Revolution.

Echiverri also welcomed the unveiling of the historical marker, saying it will forever remind the people of the greatness of Bonifacio and other heroes who unselfishly shed their blood to make this country free from foreign domination.

"We can all be heroes in our own right, but the greatness of Bonifacio was highlighted by his being a common and ordinary man who just loved his country so much," Echiverri said.

He also urged ordinary government functionaries to aspire to become heroes by serving the people to the best of their ability and even beyond the call of duty.

"The commemorative marker also symbolizes our city's commitment as a leader in the fight for social reformation and freedom form poverty," Echiverri said.

Ocampo, in his brief message, acknowledged that the rapid urbanization of the city has rekindled discussions about the feasibility of transferring the Bonifacio Monument to other site.

The Bonifacio Monument, a masterpiece of sculptor Guillermo Tolentino, was erected at its present site in 1933.

"High-rise buildings will soon dwarfed this obelisk while mass rail transport system criss-crosssing it could somehow diminish its significance," he said

Although he did not openly called for its transfer, Ocampo said the Bonifacio Monument is considered the best monument in the country aesthetically and historically and as such must be placed in a proper environment.

"This is the only monument of Bonifacio where he is placed in proper and dignified perspective befitting a national hero," Ocampo said.