Duterte pays tribute to all mothers

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday joined the nation in greeting mothers on their special day, hailing them for their hardships and wishing them a “happy and contented life.”

In a video message posted on Facebook, the President extended his warm greetings not only to Filipino mothers, but to all mothers across the globe.

“To all mothers in the Philippines and all over the world as well, Happy Mother’s Day, and I wish you a very happy and contented life,” he said on Sunday.

The President, who is known to have utmost respect for his late mother Soledad, said he was well aware of how a mother puts herself last in order to be able to provide for her family.

“I know how is it to be a mother, because I have a mother, too. And I saw her hardships and the comfort that she gave to her family. I hail all of you mothers,” he added.

The President is close to his late mother, who passed away on Feb. 4, 2012, at the age of 95.

He has repeatedly expressed his wish to be cremated and be buried with his mother, who was the only one who stood by him.
Unsurpassed selflessness

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo also hailed the sacrifices of mothers in rearing their children, which he said was incomparable.

“For such virtues, the world should give universal recognition to these worthy women of unsurpassed selflessness and place them into the pantheon of heroes,” he said in a statement.

He added: “Today we pay tribute to all mothers of the world. To them belong the highest accolade there is to bestow.”

Panelo noted that “nobody, not even the fathers, can equal the tender love and care that mothers shower their children from the time of their birth till their growing years.”

“The sacrifice the mothers make to provide their sons and daughters sustenance, growth and development of their potentials is immeasurable and incomparable,” he said.

He also quoted St. Therese of Liseux as saying that “the loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.”

“From morning until dawn, she struggles to make the child not only happy but protected from any harm, injury or illness. She toils as well for the realization of the offspring’s dream,” Panelo added.