Vice President-elect and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Wednesday, June 8, commended China’s role in the Philippines’ recovery efforts especially during the Covid-19 pandemic that battered most sectors and industries.
In a speech during the commemoration of the 124th Philippine Independence Day and the 21st Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day via Zoom, the incoming vice president recognized how China helped Philippine industries over the years.
“It is evident that the enduring kinship between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China has led to the success of various endeavors across all industries that contributed to our growing economy over the years especially during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said in her message that was read during the online event.
“With the marking of these important events, it is only apt to express our utmost gratitude to everyone who continues to play their respective roles in the preservation of our independence along with the promotion of the ongoing Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations,” Duterte added.
She did not mention her being a vice president-elect but rather greeted the Filipino-Chinese community “on behalf of the City Government of Davao.”
Duterte said she is looking forward to “mutual and continued prosperity through ongoing programs and to achieving new milestones together with the ever-active Filipino-Chinese community in the country.”
The Davao City mayor assured the community that her hometown, which will be under brother Mayor-elect Baste Duterte come June 30, is committed to “strengthening its ties with sister cities in China.”
It will also push to forge “fresh relations” that will empower both countries and pave the way “for a more sustainable and lasting peace for the future generation.”
Duterte is scheduled to be inaugurated on Sunday, June 19, ahead of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s inauguration at noon on June 30. This schedule has been arranged so that she can attend her running mate’s inauguration at the National Museum in Manila.
The Vice President-elect won in the recently concluded 2022 polls by getting more than 32 million votes.