IN TIME for Father's Day celebration in the country, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio thanked her father, President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte, for his “rigidity” that helped her become successful in life.
Duterte-Carpio, in a video message posted in the City Government of Davao Facebook page, said the “twisted sense of humor” and the “drive to achieve” she had inherited from her father were her “useful tools” as she deals with life's challenges.
“I have your twisted sense of humor and the drive to achieve and these are some of my useful tools as I navigate life. Thank you. Happy Father’s Day!” she said.
She embodied these values that she acquired from her parents as her guiding principle as a government official.
She also acknowledged that she owes her success to her father.
“Dear Digong, You were hard on me about education and work. You impressed upon me that I am not a person if I am not a lawyer or a doctor and if I do not work for our country,” Duterte's eldest daughter said.
“And I am grateful for the rigidity. I would not be where I am now if I did not have you as a father and my Mama,” she added.
The Davao City mayor previously admitted that she has a “love-hate” relationship with her father.
Duterte-Carpio was also one of those who convinced her father to run for the highest elective post in the land in the May 9, 2016 elections.
Meanwhile, the mayor also thanked all the fathers across the nation for their sacrifices for their families and for striving hard to be good providers.
“Magandang araw sa mga tatay. Maraming salamat sa mga sakripisyo ninyo upang maging masaya, masagana at matiwasay ang aming mga buhay.Happy father's day sa inyong lahat,” she added.
Father’s Day is being celebrated today, June 17. (SunStar Philippines/with reports from Juliet C. Revita/SunStar Davao)