Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte beamed the spotlight on military personnel by honoring recipients of an award for soldiers.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte gives a trophy to a female awardee. (OVP photo)
These military soldiers were recognized during Monday night’s awarding ceremony of 10 outstanding Filipino soldiers held at the historic Manila Hotel, according to a statement from Duterte’s office.
In paying tribute to the soldiers, the official said they have commendably shown remarkable devotion to their noble duty to protect and safeguard the integrity of the nation.
“In the areas of combat zone, community service, administrative and logistics functions, and education, you have commendably shown us your remarkable devotion to your sworn oath to serve the best interest of the nation as well as the capability of our uniformed men and women to propel innovation within the organization,” Duterte said in her speech.
The Vice President also commended the military personnel who exemplified excellence, courage, dedication, and love of country.
“I salute your courage and dedication to duty,” Duterte added.
The event was held as the country celebrated the National Heroes Day, which Duterte commemorated on Monday morning in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The second-highest official of the land noted that the Cry of Pugad Lawin came 375 years after Datu Lapulapu and his men defeated Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521.
According to Duterte, the heroism of Lapulapu “foreshadowed the heroism of Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo, Sultan Kudarat, and all of those who courageously ended the 333-year rule of the Spaniards over the Philippines.”
“It only means that Filipinos are inherently brave, selfless, fearless, and united in the face of adversity. And this is something that we, today, should always remind ourselves about,” she said.
The Vice President gave an assurance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the Department of Education (DepEd) will strive to produce patriotic basic education graduates.
She also thanked the uniformed personnel for their support to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), and for assisting Filipinos especially in times of natural disasters.
“Hindi man namin magawa ang trabaho niyo (Even though we cannot do your work), know that kapag kailangan niyo kami na tumulong sa inyo, kahit taga-dala man niyan ng tubig (when you need our help, even only in carrying water) you will always have a friend in the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte said.
Duterte likewise stressed she is one with the armed forces in the pursuit to defend the nation against terrorism, lawlessness, and other security threats.
“Kayo ay patuloy na maging haligi ng katapangan na siyang magiging daan sa mas mapayapa at mas matatag na sambayanan. Kaakibat ninyo kami sa inyong mga dakilang adhikain para sa katarungan at kapayapaan (May you continue to be a pillar of bravery that will be a way toward a more peaceful and stronger nation. We are your partner in your noble cause to attain justice and peace),” she said.