ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday urged local officials here to strengthen the systems concerning tourism, disaster preparedness, and peace and order.

Duterte was guest speaker at the 122nd Founding Anniversary and Maragtas Cultural Parade at the Capiz Provincial Capitol here.

In her 12-minute message, the Vice President said it is important for local governments to respond to the needs of the people and continue the developments on the ground.

“I encourage our local leaders to strengthen mechanisms that will bolster your tourism potentials — and at the same time, build up the capacities of other sectors important in your economic growth,” Duterte said.

“Our common vision is to see that growth is inclusive and that we are able to address the needs of vulnerable sectors in our society,” she added.

Duterte also stressed on the need for Capiz to be constantly reminded of the importance of disaster preparedness, and the need for communities to be resilient to the impact of weather disturbances.

As the province is vulnerable to typhoons, Duterte said she hopes that disaster risk reduction and management procedures are strongly in place in Capiz.

“Paparating na po ang bagyo. Let us take the opportunity to prepare, educate and train our communities on disaster risk reduction focusing on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery,” Duterte said.

The Vice President also called for peace and order to remain in the communities, and for people to have the freedom to maximize their potential and pursue their dreams.

The Vice President said peace and order are the “core building blocks of economic and environmental sustainability” as the country’s economic freedom is predicated upon the safety and security of the people.

Duterte, who is also the Secretary of Education, urged parents to make sure that their children go to school, and to join the call in combatting local terrorism as it “destroys the future of the children.”

“Ilayo po natin ang ating mga anak sa kapahamakan. Nanawagan po ako sa inyong lahat na mga kababayan ko na paniguraduhin natin na ang ating mga anak, ating mga apo, ating mga pinsan, mga kapitbahay, mga kaibigan — ay pumapasok po sa paaralan. Ilayo po natin sila sa insurhensiya, terorismo, ilegal na droga, at kriminalidad,” Duterte said.

“Ang susi po ng tuloy-tuloy na kaunlaran ay edukasyon,” she added.

OVP MEDIA