The Philippines is “gradually bouncing back” from the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vice President Sara Duterte said on Monday, July 11.

Duterte, who sits as Education secretary in concurrent capacity, made this initial assessment at the inauguration of Toyota Motors servicing center in her hometown of Davao City.

“The national government is aggressively pushing for measures that could keep our economy afloat with the dreaded effects of the pandemic and the challenges expected to hit our global economy,” she said.

The Vice President asserted that the country needs the business sector’s strong support to enable it to recover from the economic slump caused by Covid-19.

“With strong business sector support, we are confident that we can sustain our economy, provide our people with jobs and their basic needs, and pursue projects and programs necessary to build a strong nation,” she said.

Duterte furthered that the Philippines will survive “if we continue to strengthen our local economy” through the backing of the business community.

Apart from the business sector, she mentioned the government’s innovative ways to cope with the needs of the people and establish pandemic-proof mechanisms.

Duterte thanked Toyota Dealers Association President Jose Lim III for “demonstrating his impressive business acumen, foresight, leadership, and bravery — given the crippling impacts of the pandemic on businesses and establishments.”

At present, Toyota has two dealership and two service centers in Davao City.

“It is very reassuring to see businesses such as Toyota continue to thrive even in the middle of a climate that could potentially hurt or put businesses at risk,” she said.