GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte praised this city for making Mindanawons proud.

“You have top-notch infrastructures, well-designed road network, dynamic government institutions and aggressive political leaders, and a strong presence and involvement of support of civil society organizations,” the Vice President said during the Kalilangan Festival 2023 Closing Ceremony and Kadsagayan Streetdance Competition on Monday night.

“It’s a city of many titles — The Boom City of the South, the Home of the Champions, and the City Of Charm,” she said, jokingly adding that nothing is left for Davao City.

The Vice President also said it is not only the people of General Santos City who are proud of their city’s success.

“I, as a fellow Mindanawon, am also feeling the Spirit of a Champion that you are feeling,” she said.

“Mindanawons celebrate fellow Mindanawons’ victories. That is why Davao city will always be supportive of General Santos City,” she added.

Duterte also said that the success of General Santos is not only attributed to their number one resource-- tuna, but also their thriving commodities, the synergy with the government, and the respect of culture in their diverse province.

“Today, we celebrate our traditions, the preservation of our cultural heritage, and the harmonious co-existence of the tri-people of Mindanao – our indigenous peoples, our Muslim brothers and sisters, and the Christian communities,” she said.

The Vice President also recognized the history of General Santos which championed from the threats of violent extremism.

“General Santos did not cower in fear. You did not allow terrorists to overshadow your dreams, your aspirations, and your collective spirit to give your children a future that is secure, that is peaceful, that is productive,” she said.

“I urge you to keep inspiring the rest of Mindanao and the Philippines by sustaining your momentum with the same strength and persistence that you have shown in the past years but with a focus on sustainability,” she added.

Witnessing the colorful performance and festivities, Duterte gave P40,000 for each Kadsagayan Streetdance contingent.

OVP Media