March 25, 2017 – News Releases

 
25 March 2017
 Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella on Earth Hour 2017
Today we celebrate Earth Hour 2017.

This occasion is a good reminder of our commitment to fight climate change and our solidarity to the rest of the world in spreading the message that while we pursue economic development programs, we continuously aspire for sustainable, climate change-resilient living.

Switch off the lights for an hour at exactly 8:30 p.m and show to the world that the Philippines is an Earth Hour hero country.
President Duterte mulls closer cooperation with China
MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, March 25, reiterated that the Philippines mulls to have closer cooperation with China.

In his speech during the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon, President Duterte said the Philippines just wants to be friends with China. “China is my neighbor. I just want to make friends and trade so that my people will be happy and improve our country,” he said, adding that China gave assistance for the improvement of the Philippines.The Chief Executive also asked China to help in developing the country’s agriculture.Duterte said that China has imported more products from the Philippines such as pineapples and bananas.However, Duterte underscored that “he will not enter into a military alliance with any country.”The President also acknowledged the presence of Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua at the festival and considered the diplomat’s presence as meaningful, saying that it would help open doors for better diplomatic relations with China.President Duterte also recalled his campaign promise to stop corruption, saying that he will not tolerate such under his administration.“Corruption will stop,” he said, adding that he has fired 92 government personnel this month.After delivering his speech, President Duterte proceeded to the groundbreaking of the soon-to-be-built Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Bukidnon. ###PND
President Duterte breaks ground for drug rehab center in Bukidnon
Macity of around 500-800 patients, the P 700-million drug rehabilitation center will soon rise in a five-hectare land in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, which was donated to its city government.

ALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, March 25, led the groundbreaking of the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DARTC) here in Bukidnon.

With a cap

In his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of DARTC, President Duterte encouraged the illegal drug dependents to surrender because they “cannot discern what is right and what is wrong” when they are into such illegal activity.

“Do not deprive us of the next generation of Filipinos because we need them to run the country, to be the fathers and mothers of our children so that the Philippines can continue until kingdom come,” Duterte said.

The Chief Executive added that the youth might be “doomed” once they are facing the problem on illegal drugs.

President Duterte also said that he will do anything to protect the Filipino people and preserve the nation.

“It does not matter what document you’d want to… and I said if it comes to the interest of my country, so be it. It will be done,” Duterte said.

The Chief Executive also expressed his deep appreciation to China for what they have promised the Philippines and for “all of their goodness” that they have shown to the country.

President Duterte also reiterated that his presidency begins and ends with public interest.

“Just public interest and I am ready for anything. I will be. I am a worker of the government and I will serve you, and serve you and serve you faithfully,” he concluded. ###PND