DIPOLOG CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte said Zamoanga del Norte has a bright future as she paid tribute to the men and women who paved the way for the province’s growth across diverse industries.
Duterte was guest speaker during the province’s 71st Founding Anniversary and Hudyaka Festival 2023 at the Zamboanga del Norte Sports Complex here Monday.
“The province's future is bright and beaming with the fruits of your development, even as you nurture the cultures and traditions that are uniquely yours,” Duterte said.
“In cultivating a new direction in pursuit of your shared aspirations of a better Zamboanga del Norte, I am pleased to know that you have remained in solidarity to celebrate the 71st founding anniversary of the Zamboanga del Norte and the Hudyaka ZaNorte Festival,” she added.
Duterte said the celebration is an “auspicious time” to reflect on the meaningful past and shared goals that forged a closer bond among Zamboangeños.
The Vice President, who is also Secretary of Education, said she hopes that the Zamboangeños will draw inspiration from the past to create a better future for the welfare of the people in the underserved sectors of the province.
“As you look back with revelry at your recent gains, may you look forward to a resilient future that will greatly impact the lives of our children, especially in their education,” Duterte said.
“Naghangyo ko kaninyo na paniguraduhon nato na ang atong mga anak nagasulod gyud sa eskwelahan ug mahuman sila sa ilang pag eskwela kay mao ni ang makapabag-o sa ilang kinabuhi ug sa kinabuhi sa ilang pamilya. (I ask everyone to make sure that our children go to school, and that they finish their education because this is what will change their lives and the lives of your family.”, she added.
Duterte shared the Department of Education’s (DepEd) MATATAG Agenda that aims to reform the basic education system to be more inclusive and responsive.
She also urged everyone to be with DepEd and the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in helping develop young learners with resilience, talent, and capabilities to thrive in an age of rapid changes.
“It has always been said that education is the greatest equalizer. Dili magdepende kung ang bata anak siya ug dato o anak siya ug pobre. (It doesn’t depend on whether a child came from a rich or poor family),” Duterte said.
“Mao na ang importansya sa edukasyon na gusto nako masabtan sa atong mga pamilya sa komunidad — na mao na ang makapagpabag-o sa kinabuhi sa inyong anak ug sa inyong pamilya. (That is the importance of education that I want our families in the community to understand — it is the key to changing the life of your child and your family),” she added.
Duterte then lauded the Zamboangueños for upholding Zamboanga del Norte's tourism, political climate, and the numerous socioeconomic investment opportunities that continue to pave the province’s swift and enduring economic recovery.
She also called on to remain the government’s partner in the fight against insurgency and to stand up for the welfare of the people.
“As united Zamboangenos, may your common past facilitate your commitment to building a common future founded on your cooperation and hope for a just and compassionate society,” Duterte said.
“Together, may we strive harder to empower our local communities while we forge a stronger nation nurtured by our shared undertakings and pride in our unique cultural identities,” she added.
OVP MEDIA