MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday urged Filipinos to honor their departed loved ones as he wished the Christian faithful a "solemn and meaningful" celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
“I call on the entire nation to honor those who have gone before us in the grace of God. Their legacy remains an important part of who we are today, and we have much to gain from their virtuous example," Duterte said in his message.
"May their deeds inspire us to become advocates of peace and solidarity as we do our part in building our nation and in alleviating the suffering of others," he added.
The President also called on the people to emulate the saints and deepen their engagements with their respective communities “as we work for real and lasting change”.
“We Filipinos welcome the month of November with open hearts as we remember our saints and our deeply departed loved ones, whose lives have deeply inspired us to grow in faith, hope and love. We are reminded that, even in death, our bonds with them remain,” he said.
Before visiting his parents’ tomb in Davao City, Duterte traveled to Cauayan City, Isabela on Thursday to preside a situation briefing on the effects and devastation caused by Typhoon Rosita.
“After here I’m going to visit the tomb of my father and my mother,” he said.
"Rosita" ravaged much of Northern and Central Luzon on Oct. 30, bringing heavy rains and winds that resulted in flash floods and landslides.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the typhoon displaced 30,734 families and left 15 people dead, many of whom were victims of landslides particularly the massive one that occurred in Barangay Banawel, Natonin in Mountain Province.
The government has so far allotted PHP15.92 million worth of assistance to the victims of "Rosita". (PNA)
