Vice President Sara Duterte is honoring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East as the country observes the Holy Week.
In her message on Monday, March 30, Duterte said the Holy Week is a "sacred part" of being a Filipino, as it is the time when the people reflect on God's sacrifices and surrender themselves, and that doing so is a reminder that the true meaning of life is serving others.
"Ang katahimikan ng mga araw na ito ay nagbibigay-daan sa tapat na pagsusuri ng ating mga mithiin—para sa ating sarili, para sa ating pamilya, at para sa ating bansa (These days' silence allows for a sincere evaluation of our aspirations—for ourselves, for our families, and for our country)," she said in a video message.
"Kinikilala natin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang ating mga OFWs sa Middle East. Sa gitna ng kaguluhan, hinihiling natin ang kanilang kaligtasan. Sila ay mga buhay na halimbawa ng sakripisyo, at hinihiling natin ang kapayapaan sa kanilang kinalalagyan (We recognize the sacrifice of our fellow citizens, especially our OFWs in the Middle East. Amid the chaos, we ask for their safety. They are living examples of sacrifice, and we pray for peace in their locations)," she added.
During this Lenten Season, she hoped that Filipinos would take to their heart the welfare of the country.
She also asked for prayers for a country that's run by honesty, justice, and compassion.
"Nawa'y magsilbing inspirasyon ang aral ng sakripisyo ni Hesus upang tayo ay magkaisa para sa isang matatag at maunlad na Pilipinas (May the lesson of Jesus' sacrifice serve as an inspiration for us to unite for a strong and prosperous Philippines)," she said.
"Ang lahat ng ating ginagawa ay para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat Pamilyang Pilipino (Everything we do is for God, the Nation, and every Filipino family)," she added.