VP Duterte banks on soldiers gaining trust, cooperation of Pinoys to protect them
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Soldiers should take care of Filipinos and their well-being to build trust and cooperation in order protect them from security threats, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said on Thursday, Sept 7.
Vice President Sara Duterte delivers a speech during the 20th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army’s 73rd founding anniversary in Las Navas, Northern Samar. (OVP photo)
Speaking at the 20th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army’s 73rd founding anniversary in Las Navas, Northern Samar, Duterte stressed that one way to effectively protect the people is to gain their trust and cooperation.
“One way to build trust and cooperation is to show the people you care about them and their well-being,” she told the soldiers.
Duterte, who is also the co-vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), was the guest of honor at the event.
The official expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their continued adherence to their noble duty of protecting the citizens not only in Northern Samar but in the entire Visayas region as well.
In her message, Duterte urged them to work tirelessly in advocating education to solve the insurgency problems in the Philippines.
“Together, let us forge ahead through excellence and love of country and work towards our shared hopes of a stronger nation and a more resilient future,” she added.
A Grade 4 student, who happens to be scholar of the Philippine Army at the San Jorge Elementary School, earlier joined the Vice President in a ceremonial tree planting inside the camp.
For Duterte, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can’t do it alone without the help of local elected officials who are likewise responsible in taking care of the communities.
“Let this partnership, cooperation, convergence enable you to march ahead in defeating the scourge of insurgency plots to the lives of the innocent, especially the youth,” she said.
The Vice President, however, asserted that “gaining peace is easier than sustaining it.”
“I am confident that your commitment to building genuine friendships will continue to increase the cooperation and vigilance of the communities you serve,” Duterte said.
In Northern Samar, Duterte visited the Las Navas National High School and San Jorge Elementary School where she distributed PagbaBAGo bags containing school supplies and dental kits to selected students.