MALAYBALAY 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 capacity 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.

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