“One of the most important lessons I have learned as I navigate life and the same thing that I believe we should ponder upon as one country united in our determination to overcome our difficulties and achieve our aspirations — is that we should commit to heart the priorities of God, country, and family.”
This was the call of Sara Zimmerman Duterte to all Filipinos as she took her oath as the 15th Vice President of the Philippines at the San Pedro Square, Davao City, June 19.
In her speech delivered during her inauguration, Duterte said “The voice of 32.2 million Filipinos was loud and clear — with the message to serve our motherland. And this message has been reiterated in my oath: to consecrate myself to the service of the nation.”
VP-elect Duterte also highlighted the challenges confronting the Filipino children and called for unity to overcome the challenges in the days ahead.
“Today, our children are facing a very complex future, one that is rife with conflict and uncertainties. Some of these challenges include the winding cycle of poverty, the trauma of broken families, the life-long baggage because of irresponsible and bad parenting,” she said.
Duterte, who will also spearhead the Education department, also mentioned drugs, sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy, recruitment to support terrorism, and misinformation as among the complex problems faced by Filipino children.
Duterte also said the parents have a duty to teach their children the “values of integrity, discipline, respect, and compassion for others.” She emphasized that a strong, loving, happy family sets down all the basic foundations essential in the development and growth of a child.
“We should never forget that it is the duty of each Filipino family to emphasize that education begins at home,” she added.
She also hopes that Filipinos will rise up hand in hand with the promise of unity and love for the country.
“Magkasama sana tayong bumangon bawat araw kasabay ang nag-aalab na pangako sa ating mga puso na mahal natin at patuloy nating mamahalin ang Pilipinas hangga’t tayo ay nabubuhay.”
Ending her inaugural speech, Duterte expressed pride in her identity, “Hindi ako ang pinakamagaling, o pinakamatalinong tao sa Pilipinas at sa mundo — ngunit walang makakatalo sa tibay ng puso ko bilang isang Filipino.”
Duterte’s oath taking was administered by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando. She was joined on the stage by her parents, outgoing President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmerman.
She will assume her post at noon on June 30. (ARB/EDC – PIA CPSD)
