Duterte lauds ‘united efforts’ of Boholanos to bounce back from adversity


Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Chief Sara Duterte praised Boholanos for their “united vision” to bounce back from the devastation brought by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in December 2021.

(Image courtesy of the Office of the Vice President and DepEd Secretary)

“Moving to a better tomorrow through a united vision is a noble gift in our hands. Not every place has a gift like this,” said Duterte during the province’s 168th founding anniversary on Friday, July 22.

Duterte was the keynote speaker of the said celebration held at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City. Under Republic Act No. 7683, July 22 of every year is declared as a special non-working holiday in the Province of Bohol and the City of Tagbilaran known as “Bohol Day.”

“Bohol is dear to my heart. I was with you when you surmounted the devastation of typhoon Odette. Those were difficult, sleepless days and nights for all of you. Yet, I witnessed how you ascended to acceptance, forgiveness, and starting anew. Out of this shared experience comes your collective courage to rebuild the province back into its iconic beauty,” she furthered.

In her speech, she likewise expressed gratitude for receiving an invitation to attend the Bohol Day celebration, noting that this gave her an opportunity to meet teachers, regional directors of DepEd, as well as Schools Division Superintendent to discuss the needed repairs and reconstructions of buildings that were damaged by Odette.

Meanwhile, she also urged Boholanos to “keep one another in friendship, prayer, and pride” as the country takes another step towards the so-called new normal amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“My dream is to see all of us, wearing a singular Filipino spirit for love of our country and service just as the Boholanos,” she furthered.