Kalayaan Hall Grounds, Malacañang
4 July 2016

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella inspired anew palace employees to bring back people’s lost faith in government during the new administration’s first flag-raising ceremony held at the Kalayaan Hall grounds in Malacañang.

Speaking on behalf of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary Abella rallied the civil servants to serve the Filipino people and to change people’s outlook towards the government.

“We are here today because people who felt excluded believed the promise that we made that they too could have a comfortable life, a life unbounded, unburdened by corruption, a life unhampered by crime, a life unthreatened by illegal drugs, a life free to pursue the dreams of a better world, so let us not let them down,” he said.

He added, “People who have lost their faith in government are willing to trust in it again. They are willing once more to trust their leaders, the judicial system, the public servants — let us not disappoint them.”

“It is time that all of us become truly proud to be Filipino. And it is our mandate to ensure that the people have reason to do so. Together, let us build a nation that is righteous, peaceful, and joyful,” Secretary Abella stated further.

Employees under the Office of the President (OP) and agencies inside Malacañang gathered to also welcome some members of the Cabinet including Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, during the ceremony.

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