Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) vice presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has assured Filipinos the country will rebound economically and get past the crippling effects of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) under her stewardship and running mate former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte made the statement during the proclamation rally of the UniTeam bannered by presidential bet Marcos at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, where she also pushed for unity among the Filipinos, whose hopes she rekindled amid the pandemic.
“The past two years have been very challenging for all of us because the pandemic exacerbated whatever problem that we have in the past, but we are still here, full, alive and continuing to fight the challenges, and hoping that a brighter tomorrow will come,” Duterte said.
“We will move forward. We will live with COVID-19, and we will bounce back like never before,” Duterte said in a reassuring tone.
The Lakas-CMD chairperson spoke of her and Marcos’ records, long years in governance and administration, characterized “with wisdom and experience.”
Under Duterte, Davao City transformed into the fourth most competitive city in the country and is “debt-free.”
In calling for unity and in describing her brand of leadership, the vice presidential candidate said: “Sa aking paglilingkod, ginagawa ko ang natutunan ko mula sa aking mga magulang, dapat pantay pantay ang lahat, walang mayaman, walang mahirap. Walang babae, walang lalake. Walang bata, walang matanda, lahat tayo ay Pilipino.”
“Mas madaling magkaisa kung lahat tayo ay pantay pantay ang pagtingin at pagtrato sa isat isa. I-sapuso natin ang paglilingkod, una sa diyos, pangalawa sa bayan, pangatlo sa pamilya, that in all things it shall be for God, country and family,” Duterte added.
Meanwhile, the Youth For Inday Sara Duterte (YFSID) has opened its regional headquarters in Legazpi City, Albay on Sunday, Feb. 6.
Jeizel Cone Asia, YFSID national president, said the group was organized to support Duterte’s vice presidential bid. For her, Sara is a public figure she looks up to.
“I personally admire her. Her leadership style, her governance, her character,” Asia said in a statement.
She said YFSID has over 2,000 members across the country. Its members are also part of other organizations.
“There is actually a partnership between YFISD and different organizations all over the country,” she added of the group, which has its national headquarters in Quezon City.