Vice President-elect Sara Zimmerman Duterte formally took oath as the 15th Vice President of the Philippines, June 19, held at San Pedro Square in Davao City.
The oath-taking was officiated by Supreme Court Justice Ramon Paul Hernando and was witnessed by her parents, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Mrs. Elizabeth Zimmerman-Duterte along with other family members, government officials, and the public.
In her inaugural speech, Vice President Duterte underscored three priorities – honoring the will of God, serving the country, and protecting the family – as the new administration comes near.
“I am now the Vice President-elect. The voice of the 32.2 million Filipinos was loud and clear – with the message to serve our motherland. This message has been reiterated in my oath: to consecrate myself to the service of the nation,” she said.
Focusing on the track of uniting the country, Duterte enjoins fellow Filipino to
live with the memories of the selflessness and sacrifice of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, whose birthday is commemorated today.
“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,” she added.
Likewise, VP-elect Duterte also pointed out various societal issues that affect the lives and growth of every young Filipino.
Some of these are the trauma of broken families, irresponsible and bad parenting, destruction brought about by illegal drugs, criminality, bullying, trafficking, and recruitment in support of terrorism, among others.
She emphasized that education, good values, and moral upbringing among children begin at home with their parents, the reason why commitment to the family should be prioritized.
Duterte also acknowledged the challenges ahead of her formal reception as Vice President of the country and as Secretary of the Department of Education at noon of June 30.
But with the said priorities and strong heart as a Filipino, she said that “we can never go wrong.”
Apart from families and friends, present also during the event are her running mate and now President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his families, some senators, and known artists who supported her political bid.
On the other hand, before the inaugural ceremony, the incoming vice president also attended a eucharistic celebration at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City, presided by Archbishop Romulo Valles of the Archdiocese of Davao.
In his homily, Archbishop Valles implores the incoming vice president to have the sharp eyes of the eagle – never to miss the ever-abiding presence of Jesus in our midst and trust that He will be working through her.
“Mayor Inday, may you truly be the ‘Agila ng Davao’ as you serve as the Vice President of the Philippines. May you clearly see the needs of our people. May you have the eagle’s eyes to see the true needs of the young people you will be serving, in particular as secretary of education,” he said. (AAL/FRG/PIA6)
