DAVAO CITY — About 50,000 people trooped to the ancestral home of the Duterte family during former President Rodrigo Duterte's annual gift-giving since Christmas Eve on Dec. 25 on Taal St. at Central Park Subdivision in Bangkal in Davao City.
VICE President Sara Duterte and former President Duterte. (FPRRD Supporters FB)
The event, dubbed "Pahalipay sa Taal," was graced by the elder Duterte and her daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday afternoon, based on the social media post of the Sonshine Media Network International and the FPRRD Supporters.
The Davao City Police Office reported that the crowd reached around 50,000 in the afternoon, lining up since dawn to receive food packs, cash and gift check, and other gifts. Vice President Duterte participated in games and raffles alongside comedians and hosts.
DCPO spokesperson Police Capt. Hazel Tuazon said that over 3,000 police personnel, supported by auxiliaries, were deployed to maintain peace and order during the traditional annual gift-giving activity of the Duterte family.
The former Chief Executive delivered a heartfelt Christmas message reflecting on the spirit of the season. Duterte expressed hopes for continued peace, economic growth, and opportunities not only for Davaoeños but for all Filipinos.
"In the spirit of Christmas, I hope everyone is feeling a bit better today than yesterday. May the law and order continue, and at the very least, may peace in the community be upheld. Wishing every Filipino a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" Duterte said.
Duterte sincerely thanked the crowd — the Filipino people — for all their support as this is where his political journey began. "Not only did you support and help me, but you also carried on my political aspirations through my children," he said in the local dialect.
The elder Duterte encouraged all Filipinos to reflect on the significance of the lessons that can be drawn from the story of Christ's birth during this Christmas season. Vice President Duterte extended his warm greeting to all Davaoeños and Filipinos.