PH trades with China to improve economy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon-- President Rodrigo Duterte, in his message during the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon province said China is a neighbor of the Philippines but he wants the country to trade with China to improve the economy of the country.

The president arrived at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City to grace the annual gathering to showcase the culture and traditions of the different tribes in Bukidnon.

He said that Philippines is friend with America but we are not the vassals of America.

“As Filipino, we will stand on our own,” he said.

During the event, the president acknowledged the presence of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua. He further asked him that whenever agricultural assistance would arrive, Bukidnon should be the priority.

Around 50,000 spectators composed of tourists, residents, media and tribes from the different parts of the province witnessed the President visit at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.

War on drugs, President Duterte said the poor are the most vulnerable to illegal drugs because of ignorance.

He said he would continue to clean up the country against illegal drugs and eliminate drug lords. He also said he is ready to face the consequences.

“Who will answer for the children being killed, raped? to innocent lives?, he asked.

Five years before 40 percent of the total barangays were already into drugs. Meanwhile, 77,000 have become victims to drugs, President Duterte said.

President Duterte also reiterated that he allowed the burial of former President Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani because he promised to do that during the campaign/election. He said the Libingan is for Presidents and soldiers and it is fitting to bury Marcos there because he was a soldier and became a President.

President Duterte said he would not tolerate corruption. In fact he has started to look into the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to stop corruption; he has fired already 92 government personnel.

After his speech at the Capitol grounds, Duterte led the groundbreaking of a P700-million Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center on a five-hectare lot at Purok 17, Casisang, Malaybalay City. Once completed, the center can cater to 500-800 patients.

Joining him are Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, and some Chinese delegates. (PIA10)