Cateel, Davao Oriental
24 February 2014

To kick-off the celebration of the 28th EDSA People Power Revolution, President Benigno S. Aquino III visited Cateel, Davao Oriental, one of the most devastated places when Typhoon Pablo hit Mindanao on December 2012.

The President personally chose to commemorate the EDSA revolution in the provinces affected by the recent calamities to show the true meaning of people power.

“Sa bawat pagkadapa at sa bawat pagbangon, sa bawat inisyatibang nagsisigurong walang maiiwan sa ating paglalakbay sa tuwid na landas – naisasabuhay natin ang tunay na diwa ng People Power,” President Aquino said.

Before proceeding to the town plaza, the President did an aerial inspection to see the improvement of the town after the destruction caused by Typhoon Pablo. Three of the places he inspected were various rice fields improved by the Hot Pablo project, the Lumao bridge, and the Permanent Resettlement Site by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). President Aquino then promised that the administration will assure the safety and development of the residents affected by the said typhoon.

In the end, he expressed his joy towards the Filipino nation for being able to withstand and help each other during those major calamities.

“Talaga naman pong isang malaking karangalan para sa akin ang maglingkod bilang Pangulo ng bansang hindi natitinag, at sa halip ay lalong humihigpit ang pagbabayanihan sa harap ng mga hamon,” the President said.

Aside from Cateel, President Aquino will visit Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, and Eastern Samar.

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