Cover Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets (R) The Philippines' Vice President Sara Duterte on September 26, 2022 at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by David Mareuil / Pool / Getty Images)
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets (R) The Philippines' Vice President Sara Duterte on September 26, 2022 at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by David Mareuil / Pool / Getty Images)
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Challenges are inevitable for Tatler Asia’s Most Influential 2022 honouree Sara Duterte, most especially in public governance. But despite the odds, it’s the silver lining that she pursues
Affectionately called ‘Inday’, a Visayan word for an honourable lady, this former Davao City Mayor goes beyond the limits of the word because of her fearlessness and solid political will. Coming from a family deeply rooted in politics, she has earned her merits on her own.
Her transformational leadership skills defined her years in public service. According to her colleagues, she is a tactful negotiator, pacifier, and principled are just some of her characteristics. She championed protecting and conserving the city’s watershed areas, pushing its tourism potential and taking part in developing the region’s economic growth.
Aside from being the vice president of the Philippines, she also serves as the Education secretary.
What projects in the last two years are you most proud of? Why?
Vice President Sara Z Duterte (VP Sara): The Office of the President has started implementing Pagbabago Campaign and will roll out the Nag-Negosyo Ta ‘Day, and Peace 911. These projects were first implemented in Davao City when I was Mayor, and we have redesigned and expanded them to a national scale.
Through the PagbaBAGo Campaign, I speak to children and parents about their role in society and breaking the cycle of poverty. I emphasize the importance of education to the children and family planning to the parents. We give school bags and gift packs to the beneficiaries and remind them that the way to change their lives is through hard work and determination.
During my first 100 days in office, we have already given 3,220 Filipino learners PagbaBAGo bags in Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte, Municipality of Jordan in Island Province of Guimaras, Caramoan in Camarines Sur, Kidapawan City in North Cotabato, Siguijor Province, Dasmariñas in Cavite, and Bangued in Abra.
The Mag-negosyo Ta ‘Day is a livelihood program for women and members of the LGBTQI+ community. The Peace 911 is a peace-building initiative.
Above Vice President Sara Z Duterte
Vice President Sara Z Duterte
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What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?
VP Sara: There will always be challenges in public service. From the start, we have campaigned for unity among Filipinos because we believe a fragmented nation slows down or disables our capacity to move forward and achieve our development agenda. Addressing the challenges is part of the job. In my long experience in governance and politics, it’s not impossible to turn challenges into opportunities to serve the people better.
Above Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., together with the new Vice President Sara Duterte, pose for pictures after taking his oath as the next President, at the National Museum of Fine Arts on June 30, 2022 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images)
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., together with the new Vice President Sara Duterte, pose for pictures after taking his oath as the next President, at the National Museum of Fine Arts on June 30, 2022 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images)
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What can you say to those who want to follow in your footsteps?
VP Sara: I am grateful to those who find inspiration in what I do. Integrity, diligence, and competence are core values that must be put to heart. In all things, be kind, humble, happy and always be careful. Finally, do not read the opinion of people who have decided to hate you no matter what.
Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration, or mentorship?
VP Sara: Senior politicians as guides and the Filipino children as inspiration.
What are your plans for the coming years, and what keeps you going?
VP Sara: The Office of the Vice President (OVP) hopes to reach more Filipinos in the next six years. This is why we have established at least 7 OVP Satellite Offices across the country—and expanded the existing social services programs of the office.
The Office of the Vice President hopes that through these programs, there will be no sector left behind.
I keep going for God, country, and family.
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