VP Sara wants youth to ‘break free’ from armed struggle on Independence Day

In celebration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence, Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday called on the nation to support the education sector to help the youth “break free” from the risks posed by armed struggle.

In her message, Duterte, who also sits as Education secretary, said that the painstaking years of martyrdom is an inspiration to continue pushing for inclusive development that will remove Filipinos from poverty, insurgency, drug addiction, and other threats to national security.

“Let us rally behind our education sector to enable our children and youth to break free from the dangers of armed struggle so that they can realize their full potential and serve as agents of positive change in society,” she said.

Duterte also thanked the modern-day heroes who fight for the country’s freedom from terrorism, criminality, corruption, and local communism.

“Let our cherished freedoms and liberties lead us to a more just society upholding the greater good of our kababayan. Above all, may we continue to find the indelible mark of heroism not just in the unfurled and hoisted colors of our Philippine flag but also in our shared resolve to build a better way of life, defend our people’s liberties, and protect our Republic,” she said.

Duterte is currently in Brunei as part of her mandate as president of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News