During the inauguration, President Duterte unveils the housing project marker while Dr. Isabel Suntay, co-founder of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Inc., presents the overview of the project before the President and military officers.
On January 30, the President initially visited the housing project for a site inspection.
In his speech during the event held in Brgy. Mipaga here, the President expressed his gratitude to the members of the Armed forces and private organizations that assisted the government in providing immediate shelter to the families displaced by the conflict.
"So magpasalamat ako sa sundalo. Thank you for your sacrifice," Duterte said.
"This would be about my 10th visit because I love to be with you. Eh 'di kung mamatay sila, kasali na rin ako. 'Yan ang Commander-in-Chief. Kasali ka magpakamatay ka sa sundalo mo," he said.
The Bahay Pag-asa Phase 2 Immediate Shelter and Accommodation Housing Complex inaugurated by the President was funded by donations from the Tarlac Heritage Foundation Inc., Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc., and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Other donors include the Marawi City local government, Department of National Defense, Corvill Agricom Inc., and East-West Seed Company Inc.
The 60 semi-bungalow housing units will be built inside the one-hectare housing complex, equipped with water facilities, electrical supply, community center, volleyball and basketball courts, parking lot, as well as children's playroom and learning center. Also included is the "Hardin ng Lunas" vegetable and herbal garden.
Meanwhile, the President asked forgiveness anew from the Maranaos for the destruction brought by the conflict, as he stressed that as the Commander-in-Chief, he has the duty to suppress the rebellion in Marawi City.
"Masakit man sa loob at ako'y humihingi na sa inyo noon ng taos-pusong...forgiveness. Kasi alam ko na talagang aabot ito sa ganitong gulo," Duterte said.
"Kaya naman, sinabi ko sa inyo right after the war, rehabilitation will start immediately. Kaya kita mo 'yung mga sundalo ko, 'yun ang nakipag-away ng mga Maute pati terorista at sila nga 'yung nagpagod na maibalik ang mga tahanan ninyo," he added.
The President, however, reminded the Maranaos to shun Islamic extremism that often lead to war, which he said, is so devastating and traumatic, especially for the children.
He said his government is willing to pour in money, noting that Land Bank and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are ready to assist Maranaos who want to restart their business.
"Let's try to build 'yung Marawi at least sa panahon ko. May three years and half pa ako. Magbuhos ako ng pera dito. Maghiram kayo," he said.
The President also renewed his administration's commitment in achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.
"Yung BBL na 'yan titingnan namin, lulusot 'yan. Talagang sabi ko, pagkatapos niyan, if it's earlier than 2020, 'pag meron federal at bagong presidente which would call for an election, I will step down by 2020. Hindi ko na hintayin 'yung 2022," he said.
The President also brushed off accusations that he wants a federal setup to perpetuate himself in power, saying that he is already old to remain in position after his term.
He expressed high hopes that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be passed stressing the urgent need to attain lasting peace in Mindanao.
"Yang BBL na 'yan, titingnan namin, lulusot yan (That BBL, we will see, it will be passed)," Duterte said.
The President has again dismissed speculations that his efforts to push for BBL and federalism have something to do with term extension.
Duterte reiterated that if the BBL and federalism would be passed, he would step down before his term ends in 2022.
"Matanda na po ako, wala akong ambisyon na ganun'n. Gusto ko nang makapagpahinga," (I'm old, I don't have that ambition. I want to rest), Duterte said.
"Talagang sabi ko, pagkatapos niyan, if it's earlier than 2020, 'pag merong federalism at bagong presidente which would call for an election I will step down by 2020. Hindi ko na hintayin ang 2022 (I said if it's earlier than 2020, and there's federalism and a new president that would call for an election, I will step down by 2020)," he added.
Duterte also took a swipe at local terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State (IS) group for encouraging Maranaos to join them.
He made this remark after the United States tagged ISIS Philippines and the Maute Group as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" (SDGTs).
"Galit ako sa mga taong taga labas at pumunta dito para udyukin ang mga Moro na lumaban sa gobyerno at makipag-away at ang dala-dala nila hindi naman relihiyon (I am mad at outsiders who come here and encourage Moros to fight against the government when they're not here to bring religion)," Duterte said.
Duterte claimed that terrorist groups were only using religion as an excuse to kill people and cause destruction. [Azer Parrocha, PNA]
No comments:
Post a Comment