Rody grants Fil-Am kid’s request for video greeting
DAVAO CITY – President Duterte granted the wish of an 11-year-old Filipino-American boy for a video message greeting him, his teacher and classmates at the Fresno Adventist Academy in Fresno, California.
“I know that you are a very busy person because you are a hardworking president. I admire you greatly. But can I ask you a special favor? Can you please send me a short video clip of you saying hello to my teacher, Mrs. Ricciuti (Ri-kyu-ti), my classmates and I?” Andre Gabriel Custodio Esteban wrote on a note
pad, which his mother Almyra Grace posted over social media.
Almyra requested netizens to help the boy in his report on Philippine “Nationality” which is due on Nov. 15.
As the plea circulated over the internet, it eventually reached Christopher “Bong” Go, the President’s special assistant, who, in turn, raised the concern to Duterte.
“Good day. I would like to say hello to Mrs. Ricchuti and her students in Fresno Adventist Academy in California, USA, especially to you Andre Esteban,” the President said in a 48-second video message.
“Andre, I received your letter request and I am most happy to oblige. I am sure that you are going to do a great report about our beloved country, the Philippines,” Duterte said, as he urged him to “continue to be a good son and to study well.”
“May God bless you and your family and all of us in this planet earth,” the President concluded.
The 72-year-old President was clad in a dark blue shortsleeved polo and standing in front of a Christmas tree when he taped his message.
Go posted Duterte’s response, which has garnered more than 12,000 likes, over 280 comments, at least 8,400 shares and 313,760 views.
“Rest assured that PRRD (Duterte) is working hard to rebuild a brighter future for children like you. We also hope to meet you in person here in the Philippines soon. We are confident that you will do great in your report. Hope this helps. God bless you, Andre,” Go wrote in the post.
Esteban said he is a proud Filipino and hopes to meet Duterte someday.
He ended his letter saying, “Maraming, maraming salamat po! God bless you po!”
On Friday evening, Duterte addressed students of Davao City’s Center for Brighter Beginnings, which was celebrating its 25th founding anniversary, and told them that he is working hard to address the drug menace to give them a better future.