Vice President-elect Sara Duterte believes that it is by God’s design that she was elected as the country’s 15th vice president as she gets inaugurated in a simple ceremony on Sunday, June 19, at the San Pedro Square in Davao City.
In her inaugural speech, Duterte said she was “consumed” by a dream to become a doctor when she was a kid but became a lawyer instead, which opened the way for her to serve the public.
“When I committed myself to governance and public service, I was also determined to finish three consecutive terms as mayor. That will not happen anymore. I am now the Vice President-elect,” she 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,” Duterte added.
Her life, she said, is a “testament to the power of a God” because while she pursued a pathway that she thought could help her realize that dream, God directed her toward “another way.”
“There is a God. A God whose will transcends the desires of our hearts, one whose will directs us to the way that we might not have imagined — but a way that consecrates ourselves every day to help our fellowmen overcome the difficulties they face in their lives, to change lives, to save lives,” Duterte told a crowd that includes her parents—President Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmerman—husband Mans, former President Gloria Arroyo, and President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and family.
READ: Sara Duterte: PH’s 15th vice president carves own political path
The incoming Vice President said that committing to the priorities of God, country, and family will help Filipinos “overcome our difficulties and achieve our aspirations,” and that the challenges before the country will call for the nation to be more united than ever.
“If we all take a moment to listen to the call to serve and decide to heed the call . . . I believe the country will be heading toward a future of hope, security, strength, stability, and progress,” she added.
Honoring the birth anniversary of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, Duterte recognized how “selflessness and sacrifice could change our country's fate and shape our children's future.”
“Let us show our love for our country by taking care of our families and communities despite the unending challenges that come our way,” she said.
“But let me reiterate this — we can never go wrong if we are a people dedicated to honoring the will of God, to serving our country and our fellowmen, and protecting the integrity of our families and the future of our children,” Duterte added.
And while she knows she isn’t the best and most intelligent person in the country and the world, the Vice President-elect said no one can beat the strength of her heart as a Filipino.
Duterte took her oath 11 days earlier than her assumption into office so she can attend the presidential inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 30.