11 hours ago
VP Sara sees Davao-Samal bridge's potential to boost growth
Vice President Sara Duterte reaffirmed her support for the continued construction of the Davao-Samal Bridge amid legal challenges, saying the infrastructure project is crucial to unlocking the economic potential of the island and the Davao region as a whole.
'Sana ay makita ng lahat, hindi lang ng ating mga Huwes, kundi ng buong komunidad na napakalaki ng tulong ng Davao-Samal Bridge sa ekonomiya ng Davao City at ng Samal City — at siyempre na rin sa mobilization and transport ng goods and people,' Duterte told reporters.
(I hope everyone — not just the judges, but the entire community — sees how much the Davao-Samal Bridge will help the economies of Davao and Samal, and in the transport of goods and people.)
The multi-billion-peso bridge, initiated during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is now facing uncertainty after a Supreme Court petition sought to stop its construction due to alleged environmental violations.
Despite the legal roadblock, Duterte stressed its transformative potential for local trade, tourism, and daily life on the island.
Duterte also outlined her vision for long-term growth in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), urging local leaders to prioritize the basics: electricity, clean water, and investor-friendly systems.
'Kailangan talaga yung regular na supply ng kuryente at access sa malinis na tubig… Basic necessities po 'yan na kailangan natin pagtulungan at unahin,' she said.
(We really need regular electricity and access to clean water — these are basic necessities we must prioritize together.)
'Kailangan nilang i-review kung ano ang nagpapatagal sa proseso sa loob ng kanilang LGU para sa pagbigay ng permits,' she added.
(They need to review what's causing delays in their local permit processes.)
She said the city has the potential to become more competitive in tourism and commerce, provided it reduces red tape and maintains infrastructure that meets investor and resident needs.
Moreover, the Vice President also promoted the Office of the Vice President's ongoing programs including 'Mag Negosyo Ta 'Day', a livelihood initiative for micro-entrepreneurs; 'PagbaBAGo', a tree-planting and education advocacy program; The Disaster Operations Center, for quick emergency response; and RIICE, which provides rapid assistance in times of urgent need.
She further responded to viral reports about teachers in remote areas like the Akbual IP School in Sarangani, who cross four rivers and trek for hours to reach their students.
'Ang request nila ay para sa mga estudyante, hindi para sa sarili nila. Common ito sa mga teachers — inuuna talaga nila ang kapakanan ng kanilang mga estudyante,' she said.
(Their request is for the students, not themselves. This is common among teachers — they always put their students first.)
The OVP committed to delivering waterproof school bags and supplies tailored for the harsh conditions faced by these communities.
'Magpapagawa kami ng special kind of bag para sa kanila na waterproof,' Duterte said.
(We will have a special kind of waterproof bag made for them.)
On her father's mayoral return
In the same interview, she also addressed the scenario in which her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, might not be able to take his oath as Davao City mayor by June 30.
In that case, Vice Mayor Baste Duterte would assume the position as acting mayor.
Asked about a recent survey showing her as a frontrunner in the 2028 presidential race with Senator Bong Go as a possible running mate, she replied:
'Nakuratan ko sa imoha… Pwede dili na lang sa ta anang survey-survey karon kay layo pa gyud kaayo nang 2028,' she said with a laugh.
(I was surprised by that… Let's skip the surveys for now because 2028 is still too far away.)
'Ang pagpapasalamat ko ay 'yung patuloy na pagtitiwala ng taong bayan sa Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo,' she added.
(I'm thankful for the continued trust of the people in the Office of the Vice President.)—LDF, GMA Integrated News
