Duterte to Filipino people: Move forward with courage, hope, and optimism

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged the Filipino people to move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as the country battles with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a video message aired for the country's 122nd Independence Day celebration, Duterte said the Filipino people now have the opportunity to display the same gallantry and nobility demonstrated by the country’s heroes.

“As we wage a united battle against COVID-19, we now have the opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and the nobility of character as the heroes of our past,” he said.

“Let us now move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as we overcome this pandemic,” he added.

As of Thursday, the Philippines recorded 24,175 COVID-19 cases with 5,165 recoveries and 1,036 deaths.

Duterte, in his message, also honored the country’s forefathers for their bravery, heroism, and sacrifice, and thanked them for the gifts of democracy and freedom.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea represented the President at the Independence Day rites held in Rizal Park.

Also present were Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Philippine Navy flag office-in-command Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairman Dr. Rene Escalante.

Philippine Air Force helicopters dropped confetti and flower petals during the event to honor the frontliners.—AOL/KBK, GMA News