TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday praised the Boholanos for their united efforts to bring the province back from the devastation of Typhoon Odette.

“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 (Moving to a better tomorrow through a united vision is a noble gift in our hands. Not every place has a gift like this),” Duterte said during the province’s 168th founding anniversary celebration at the Bohol Cultural Center here on Friday morning.

“Pinaagi sa inyong pagkahiusa, walay duha-duha nga maabot gayud ang adlaw, nga makita ninyo ang bunga sa inyong paningkamot (Through your unity, there is no doubt that the day will come, when you will see the fruit of your efforts),” she added.

In her 14-minute speech, Duterte cited the devastation of Typhoon Odette in the province. But the typhoon, according to her, was no match to the hard work of leaders and the contributions of the Boholanos in rebuilding the province back into its “iconic beauty.”

“Bohol is dear to my heart. Last year, 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,” Duterte said.

“To see all of you today, the same people, now armored with tenacity and grace, is a glorious moment and I am happy to be with you, to be with all of you today,” she added.

Duterte also hoped that the Boholanos’ collective harmony and faith to overcome challenges will spread not only in the entire country, but also to Overseas Filipino Workders around the world.

“My dream is to see all of us, wearing a singular Filipino spirit for love of country and service just as the Boholanos,” Duterte said.

The annual celebration of the Bohol Day is also a commemoration of the “Sandugo,” a historical event of treaty of friendship between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna.

Prior to the event, Duterte also visited the typhoon-stricken Clarin National School of Fisheries to personally discuss problems facing the education sector.

OVP MEDIA