Duterte: Peaceful, prosperous PH no longer a distant dream


President Duterte expressed confidence that a peaceful and prosperous was no longer a distant dream especially with the help of Filipinos who would be willing to seize the opportunity to work together.

President Duterte delivers his sixth and final State of the Nation Address on July 26, 2021 (RTVM Screenshot)

Duterte made the statement as he delivered his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 26.

In his speech, the President said that he may be delivering his final SONA but he will not stop pushing for reforms that will help Filipinos.

"Today is my last State of the Nation Address but this is by no means my swan song," he said.

"I shall never cease to implore Congress to pass vital and critical legislation, as well as to push the entire government to ensure that nothing less than the full recovery and revitalization of our country," he added.

According to the President, the work that his administration has started and was expected to finish within his six-year term has been told.

"A peaceful and prosperous Philippines is no longer a distant dream, but one that is within our grasp if our future Filipinos would also do it if they would continue and seize the opportunity to work together," he said.

"We have laid down the groundwork and are continuing to push for landmark reforms and key accomplish to the last day of my term," he added.

Duterte said he had no doubt that Filipinos will be able to overcome all challenges that are thrown at them.

"I have full confidence that the Filipino spirit will persevere and triumph together. And together, let us rise as a nation," he said.

Meanwhile, the President said his administration was able to make "real changes" in governance over the past five years. However, he said this must be broadened and sustained.

"This governance must be sustained and broadened to make every public servant responsive to the needs of the people, and enjoin every Filipino to assert their right to demand malasakit (concern) from their leaders until everyone lives with dignity, well-fed, educated, healthy, secured, disciplined, and empowered to contribute to the national government," he said.