People greet Duterte who turns 73

March 28, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte's family members, Cabinet officials and supporters from politics and even in show business have extended their birthday greetings as he turned 73 on Wednesday. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio wished good health for her father. "Happy birthday Digong 1. Good health paaarrteeey!," she said on her Instagram. His eldest son, former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, promised to do his best to make the president proud as he thanked him for his father's support to him and his family. "I know that I would never attain what you have achieved in your lifetime, but I can assure you that I will do my best to make you proud," he said in his Facebook page. According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the Philippines is blessed for having Duterte as its leader. "On this day, we are reminded of how blessed we are as a nation to be headed by someone who is known for his strong political will, decisive leadership and compassion for his fellowmen. I join the people in wishing our President a happy birthday!," he said in a statement. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said the Philippines' posting of 103 percent sufficiency in yellow corn production was a "symbolic birthday present" to the President. Citing the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, he cited the local demand for the yellow corn in 2017 was placed at 5.560-million metric tons for sufficiency level of 103 percent. The gross production of Filipino corn farmers hit 5.811-MMT last year with a 1.07 percent post-harvest loss for a net local production of 5.749-MMT. Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao also greeted Duterte. "May God bless you and continue to guide you and give you wisdom as you lead this great country," he said on his Instagram. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III also extended his greeting to the President. Actress Sharon Cuneta, wife of opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan, personally greeted Duterte by singing to him happy birthday as she brought a cake with three lighted candles prior to the President's birthday. Cuneta's video greeting Duterte circulated on social media. Ordinary people also extended their greetings and wishes for the President. Duterte has said he has no interest of prolonging his stay in office as he is already old. Duterte spent his birthday in Davao City, with his family members. Celerina Monte/DMS