In a heartfelt celebration of the 89th founding anniversary of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Vice President Sara Duterte visited Basilan Province on November 27, 2024, to spearhead various outreach programs aimed at supporting education, agriculture, and vulnerable communities.
The day began at Busay Elementary School in Isabela City, where the Vice President distributed “PagbaBAGo” bags to 128 young learners from Grades 1 and 4. The thoughtfully curated bags included essential school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, and rulers, along with hygiene kits and raincoats, symbolizing a commitment to holistic child development and preparedness.
In a nod to environmental sustainability, Vice President Duterte also led a tree-planting activity on the school grounds, where 70 native coffee seedlings were planted. This initiative not only promotes reforestation but also highlights the potential of coffee farming as a sustainable livelihood for the community.
The celebration continued at the Isabela City Civic Center, where the Vice President, alongside Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman, distributed OVP gift packs to around 1,000 beneficiaries. These recipients included 300 farmers, 300 fisherfolk, 400 vendors, and members of other vulnerable sectors, including the LGBTQ+ community. The gift packs, described as tokens of gratitude, were warmly received by the Isabeleños.
Vice President Duterte, in her Thanksgiving message, expressed her appreciation for the unwavering support of the Basilan community. She emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing local challenges and improving the quality of life for Filipinos.
The event was attended by key figures, including OVP-Western Mindanao Satellite Office Lead Michael Angelo Saavedra, 4th Special Forces Battalion Commander LTCOL Adolf Ian Garceron, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Jay Montealto, and other city officials, educators, and community leaders.
Vice President Duterte’s visit to Basilan is part of a broader series of Thanksgiving activities organized by the OVP, underscoring her administration’s commitment to fostering community relationships and providing meaningful support.
The day’s activities not only celebrated the anniversary of the OVP but also reinforced the office’s mission to serve as a catalyst for change, resilience, and progress in the lives of Filipinos, especially those in underserved regions.