Duterte on All Saints: Be agents of positive change

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte urged Filipinos to be agents of positive change as the country commemorates All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“As we pause to honor our dearly departed and our saints, let us reflect on how we can become agents of positive change in our society,” the President said in a statement released yesterday.

Filipinos, he said, should think how to make the Philippines a better place for everyone. 

“Let us contemplate on how we can make our country and the world a much better place for ourselves and for future generations,” he said.

Duterte was expected to arrive late last night from Tokyo, where he had a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Emperor Akihito and other Japanese government officials. 

Businessmen and government officials joined the President’s three-day working visit in Japan. They witnessed the signing of new agreements worth at least $6 billion.

Duterte said the saints and the departed have influence on the living. 

“For years, we have been celebrating these special dates to remember the men and women who have enriched our faith and made a profound impact in our lives,” he said. 

The President said there have been a lot of lessons and wisdom to learn from the lives of the saints and the departed.

“Their pursuits have brought us closer to God and affected each of us on a personal level. Their lives inspire us to build on their legacy, make our mark in this world and dedicate ourselves to causes that are greater than our own self-interest. Like them, we are capable of bringing hope and joy to people,” he said.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened at the Davao City Wireless Cemetery where Duterte’s parents rest, although it was not yet clear whether the President would immediately proceed there upon arrival from Tokyo.