MAASIN, Southern Leyte — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday praised the Leyteños for their resilience and courage in the face of challenges.

“There is nothing that you cannot withstand. There is nothing you cannot overcome. There is nothing that can bring you down on your knees,” Duterte said in her message during the celebration of Maasin’s 22nd Cityhood anniversary.

Maasin was one of the areas hit by Typhoon Odette in the Visayas in December last year. The typhoon greatly devastated properties, infrastructures, and agricultural assets.

“Gikuso-kuso kamo sa bagyong Odette apan wala kamo nagpapildi. Nibarog kamo. Nagtinabangay. Ug karon, naningkamot aron nga mabuhi nga dunay dignidad,” Duterte said.

“Maasin City, and its people, are the real definition of strength,” she added.

She also reminded residents to always keep the faith and optimism in facing future challenges.

“Daghan pay mga kalamidad ang nisulay sa pagpulpog kaninyo. Ug wala man kita nangandoy niini — simbako lang — apan kung moabot man ang uban pang bagyo, ang Maasin City, ang mga Leyteño, dili gayud magpapildi,” she said.

Duterte also acknowledged the city as part of her family’s life, owing to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s ancestry.

“We trace our roots back to Maasin City, where my father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was born,” she said.

“The deep and ancient energy of the Maasin City and its people runs deep in my blood, in my DNA,” she added.

The anniversary program was led by Mayor Nacional Mercado, Governor Damian Mercado, Vice Governor Coco Yap, and Rep. Luz Mercado.

OVP MEDIA