DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the endless support the people of Davao have been giving to his family up to the present.

“Nahimo kong sikat tungod ninyo. Katawhan sa Davao, kamoy nagsugod nako padulong sa akong biyahe ngadto sa pagka-presidente unya dira sa Malacañang (I became famous because of you. It all started with the people of Davao; I began my presidency and reached the Malacañang),” Duterte said during the Miting de Avance in Davao City on Friday.

The president said he is sincerely grateful to the people of Davao, who elected him as city mayor, congressman, and vice mayor until he became the president of the country. He added that this would not be possible without them.

“Naluoy ang Ginoo ug sa pagpangga sa tawo sa ako, na presidente ko (By God’s grace and by the love of the people, I became the president of this country),” Duterte added.

Duterte encouraged the Davaoeños that there is no need to go far away from the city because of its improvements. How much more if his daughter Sara Duterte–Carpio wins the vice-presidential race this coming election by God's grace, he said.

The president thanked his children, Mayor Sara, Davao City mayoral candidate Sebastian Duterte, First Congressional District re-electionist Representative Paolo Duterte, and Veronica Duterte for their love and support.

“Gikan sa akong amahan, sa ako, ug sa akong mga anak, basin lang nakakita mo unsa among tuyo, ang among tuyo pila na ka henerasyon mao ang pagsilbi sa tawo ug pag gugma sa isig ka tawo (From my father to my children, perhaps, you (Davaoeños) have seen our purpose. Our goal from generation to generation is only to express our genuine love and deliver service to the people.),” said Duterte.

Duterte dismissed claims that their family wanted a political dynasty. He said that he never wanted that and that the people chose them to become the leaders of their respective offices.

The president also said he had been only doing what was fitting since he became a public servant. Though he will soon retire from the government service, Duterte vowed to remain a public servant.