BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 15 (PIA) -- In time with the conduct of the Regional Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) Series, which the first leg was held here on Thursday, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) emphasized that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration continues to help uplift the lives of the Filipino people amid challenges and during this health crisis.

Andanar has acknowledged President Duterte for his commitment and dedication to serve the country and uplift the lives of the Filipino people. "The leader of a nation represents its voice, face, and aspirations. It is also said that leadership is a matter of destiny or chosen by fate. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte rides on the crest of both," he said.

"On the sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26, we shall listen to the embodiment of how people's aspirations have been achieved. At its center lies the realization that every Filipino has, indeed, been touched by his words, his actions, and his leadership," Andanar added as he enjoined everyone to support and look forward to PRRD's last SONA this year.

According to Andanar, since Duterte became the president of the country, he has been consistent in his words and performance in government service. His commitment and dedication were also manifested in how his administration run the government by ensuring that necessary and significant programs shall be provided to the people in the communities.

"His most significant contribution to the legacy of his presidency is the vision that every Filipino must have a life of dignity and comfort. This vision is reflected in the policies, programs, projects, and progressive plans already done over the past five years, and about to be completed by the end of his term. The details on how this administration has fared would be summarized by the Cabinet Secretaries heading their respective clusters to better coordinate, monitor, and improve the progress of every regions," underscored Andanar.

Emphasizing on how the government continues to survive from the current health crisis, the good secretary also highlighted that with Duterte leading the country, the Filipino people can cope with the challenges and adapt to the new normal. "Despite the pandemic's cruel and invasive nature, we have the president in sight, regularly talking to the nation, calming our fears, and delivering all possible assistance for the most vulnerable and deprived. He assures the people that the commander-in-chief is leading. He knows what he is doing, and what he is doing is for the good of all," he said.

Also, as he described President Duterte being the leader of this country and how his administration managed to address all the pressing issues and concerns, Andanar elaborated that the president has been true and sincere in his commitment to serve the Filipinos and provide them a better life.

"He is surreal, charismatic, and inspiring. Traits that radiate from his time as the mayor of the city of Davao, with the strength of his power coming from the people in the streets, the sidewalks, and the derelict sitios. He defies all odds, unorthodox in many of his ways, sometimes with sardonic humor, fighting first the illegal drug networks, the corruption in government, and now this vicious virus. At best, he converses with the people in a language understandable enough. Without the high-sounding platitudes of political oratory, he gained the people's trust by speaking from his heart and opening his soul for the benefit of the country," revealed Andanar. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)