Vice President Sara Duterte extended her condolences to the victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck on Tuesday night, September 30.
In a video message posted on her Facebook page on Thursday, October 2, the Vice President expressed her sympathy for grieving families, particularly in Bogo City, Cebu, the epicenter of the quake.
“To my brothers and sisters in Cebu and other islands in Visayas, sincere prayers and condolences to all those affected by the earthquake in Visayas,” VP Sara said in Bisaya.
She added that she deeply feels the pain and hardship faced by her fellow Filipinos in the region.
Duterte encouraged victims not to lose faith and hope despite the devastation, saying their resilience could serve as inspiration to others.
“I know that the pain you’re feeling and the hardship you’re facing right now cannot be measured. But amid the devastation of tragedy left on your families and communities, may you never lose faith and hope. May you serve as a source of strength, excellence, and inspiration to all[…]” she said.
The Vice President also offered prayers for the souls of the departed and strength for their families as they rebuild their lives.
“We ask God to grant comfort to those who have lost loved ones, and to provide relief and strength for those holding their families together amid property loss and damage,” she said.
She ended her message with words of encouragement: “May you find strength in one another, and may the legendary Visayan warmth and resilience shine through amidst this deep sorrow.”