President Aquino is in a good mood even if he has to bid farewell to the Filipino nation in less than a week.
The outgoing President expressed confidence that he would leave behind a country in a much better state compared to when he found it, adding he remains grateful for serving the Filipino nation in the past six years.
“Nangiti po ako dahil pitong araw na lang po bababa na ako sa pwesto,” the President during the 118th anniversary celebration of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Aquino, who looks forward to returning to private life after six years in power, said he hopes the Filipinos will remain united and continue to expand the gains of the country.
“Patibayin pa sana natin ang pagkakaisa at nawa’y patuloy nating itaguyod ang ating ambisyon: Ang iwan ang bansa sa di hamak na mas magandang kalagayan kaysa sa atin pong dinatnan,” Aquino said.
“Hanggang sa huli, isang malaking karangalan para sa aking paglingkuran ang Pilipino at ang Pilipinas,” he added.
The DFA anniversary event in Pasay City was among the last few official engagements of the President before he steps down from office. He also attended the anniversary celebration of the Department of Health at the Manila Hotel on the same day. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)