“Ang pag-abante sa maayong ugma pinaagi sa hiniusang paglantaw, usa ka halangdon nga gasa sa atong mga kamot. Dili tanan lugar dunay gasa nga sama niini,” Duterte said during the 168th founding anniversary of the province of Bohol on Friday, July 22 at Bohol Cultural Center.
Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte attended the 168th Bohol Day as the keynote speaker of the said celebration. Together with the presence of the top officials of Bohol led by Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, 1st District Representative Congressman Hon. Edgar Chatto, 2nd District Representative Congresswoman Hon. Vanessa Aumentado, 3rd District Representative Congresswoman Hon. Alexi Tutor, Chairperson of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Atty. Franklin M. Quijano, municipal mayors, members of the Management Executive Board of the Provincial Government of Bohol and all other guests from the different organizations of Bohol.
Duterte emphasized the Boholanos’ unity amidst all adversities that the province has faced.
“Boholanos are fiercely protective of their peace and unity. To see all of you today, the same people now armored with tenacity and grace is a glorious moment,” Duterte said.
“Pinaagi sa inyong pagkahiusa, walay duha duha nga maabot gayud ang adlaw na makita ninyo ang bunga sa inyong pagpaningkamot. The entire Bohol will blossom, blossom again, blossom more …,” she added.
Duterte further recognized the resiliency and united efforts of the Boholanos in ensuring the province’s recovery from the devastation brought by the Typhoon Odette in December 2021.
“The province of Bohol has always been a welcoming place, a new home for others, and one of the finest spots in the global lieu, glistening in its continued preservation of people, culture, tradition and faith,” the Vice President said.
“Bohol is dear to my heart. I was with you when you surmounted the devastation of Typhoon Odette. Those were difficult, sleepless days and nights for all of you. Yet, I witnessed how you ascended to acceptance, forgiveness, and starting anew,” she continued.
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado said Boholanos are ruled by a spirit that never dies. A spirit that gives life and meaning to the existence of the Boholanos which he referred as the spirit of peace and freedom.
Every 22nd day of July is declared as a non-working special holiday in the Province of Bohol and the City of Tagbilaran. The annual celebration of Bohol Day is held alongside the month-long Sandugo Festival in commemoration of history and to celebrate the treaty of friendship between the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna.
Duterte urged the Boholanos as well to support the new administration in making decisions for the betterment of our country as she shared her dream of seeing all Filipinos, wearing a singular spirit for love of country and service just as the Boholanos.
