BALAYAN, Batangas – LAKAS-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) vice presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Thursday called on Filipinos to unite and rise above the challenges brought by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and in addressing poverty in the country.

“Sama-sama tayong babangon muli dahil tayo ay Pilipino. Hindi tayo magpapatalo sa pandemya, hindi tayo magpapatalo sa kahirapan,” Duterte said.

Duterte said UniTeam’s message ‘Sama-sama tayong babangon muli’ encompasses the fulfilment of every Filipino’s dream to enjoy a peaceful, safe and better quality of life.

The country, which has suffered from the pandemic for two years now, is yet to recover as COVID-19 has taken a toll on the country’s health and economy.

“Ang kailangan po ng ating bansa, ibalik yung mga trabaho na nawala dahil sa pandemya. Pangalawa ay ang backbone ng magagandang trabaho —kalidad na edukasyon para sa ating mga anak. At ang pangatlo ay kung ano yung gusto ng lahat ng tao — ang mapayapang pamumuhay,” Duterte said before hundreds of people who attended the UniTeam’s morning rally.

She also asked the crowd to support the entire UniTeam ticket, and underscored the importance of supporting a united front in advancing inclusive development for the people.

“Unang-una, nasa pangalan po namin ang pagkakaisa. ‘Yan po ang mensahe natin sa buong bansa,” Duterte said.

“Magkaisa tayong lahat tungo sa isang direksyon at yon ay tuloy-tuloy na kaunlaran para sa ating bansa,” she added.

Apart from campaigning for the entire UniTeam, Duterte thanked the Batangueños for supporting her father, Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his presidential campaign in 2016.

“Noong 2016 po ay nanalo bilang pangulo dito sa probinsya ng Batangas ang number one na barako ng Davao City — si President Duterte po. Ang aming pamilya po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat,” Duterte said.