PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte vowed to provide a better quality of life to Filipinos by the end of his third year as various programs, including the Build, Build, Build project, are implemented.
Addressing soldiers in Camp General Adriano Hernandez in Iloilo Thursday night, the President said the government is trying to fulfill all his campaign promises such as eliminating graft and corruption, eradicating crime and illegal drugs, maintaining peace and order and improving the economy.
“Be patient. I’m on my second year. Maybe towards the end of the third year and the early part of the fourth year medyo angat na tayo (we’ll be doing better),” the President said.
He said the economy continues to grow and more jobs are being created through massive infrastructure development programs, particularly in Metro Manila and Mindanao.
He again urged professionals and skilled workers as well as Filipino domestic helpers abroad to return to the country and contribute to development and growth.
“There is no need for you to go abroad. Don’t leave, I cannot protect you. Magtiis-tiis na lang tayo dito, (Let’s tough it out here),” he said, especially to Filipinos who are planning to work abroad as domestic workers.
The President earlier banned the deployment of workers to Kuwait following the series of deaths of Filipinos working there including Joanna Demafelis, whose body was found inside a freezer in an abandoned apartment.
Before addressing the military, Duterte visited the wake of Joana Demafelis where he assured the family that justice would be served.
The President also appealed to members of the communist New People’s Army to return to the fold of the law, promising them a better life with jobs and livelihood opportunities.
“Surrender and lay down your firearms, I will pay you… We need workers” the President added.