By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Vice President Sara Duterte lauded on Friday, July 22, the Boholanos for their united efforts for the recovery of Bohol province from the devastation brought about by Typhoon Odette back in December 2021.
During the province’s 168th founding anniversary celebration, Duterte said in her speech that not every place has the gift to move forward after such devastation.
“Ang pag-abante sa maayong ugma pinaagi sa hiniusang paglantaw usa ka halangdon nga gasa sa atong mga kamot. Dili tanan lugar dunay gasa nga sama niini, (Moving to a better tomorrow through a united vision is a noble gift in our hands. Not every place has a gift like this),” she said.
“Pinaagi sa inyong pagkahiusa, walay duha-duha nga maabot gayud ang adlaw, nga makita ninyo ang bunga sa inyong paningkamot (Through your unity, there is no doubt that the day will come, when you will see the fruit of your efforts),” she continued.
Duterte said Bohol is “close to her heart”, and that she witnessed how the typhoon ruined the province.
“To see all of you today, the same people, now armored with tenacity and grace, is a glorious moment and I am happy to be with you, to be with all of you today,” she added.
The official is hopeful that the resiliency and unity of the Boholanos will be reflected to the whole country and to Filipinos abroad.
“My dream is to see all of us, wearing a singular Filipino spirit for love of country and service just as the Boholanos,” she said.
Aside from the Bohol Day annual celebration, the province also commemorated the “Sandugo”, a historical event of treaty of friendship between Spanish explorer Miguel de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna. –ag