Vice President Sara Z. Duterte took the role of Uncle Sam who encouraged the American youth to enlist with the military after she urged young Filipinos to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and and the like to strengthen the country's external security.
"You know, one of my dreams is that more young Filipinos will join the Philippine Navy or any branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or in Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology," Sara Duterte said in her speech during the Naval Special Operations Command's 66th founding year celebration on Friday.
She said, patriotism holds a very special place in her heart.
"I have a lot of respect for Filipinos like you. I salute you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your heroism," she said.
"Please allow me to reiterate this — I have a lot of respect for all of you — same as my respect to all the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police and other groups or individuals who are united in the goal in protecting our country and promoting its stability and prosperity," she added.
Sara stressed that the members of the country's security front have shown courage and love of country.
"It's a kind of love which does not die in time that we face the test. It is a love that burns more and gets hotter every time we experience hardship," she said.
She also underscored the significance of providing necessary support and training to the soldiers of the Naval Special Operations Command to upgrade their skills and capacities which would be beneficial in responding to security threats and defense management.
"I personally support future joint military exercises with other nations to build the capacity of our soldiers and strengthen our defense against threats to our security," she added.
"We hope to continue to foster greater cooperation and strengthen security ties with other nations as we maintain that the Philippines is a friend to everyone," she added.