DAVAO CITY – President Duterte promised wounded soldiers that he will initiate a program that would provide scholarships for children of uniformed personnel from kindergarten to college.
President Duterte made the statement in front of wounded soldiers of the encounters at V. Luna and Cotabato at a dinner he hosted at the Malacañang, Aug. 29 evening.
He said that the children of the AFP and PNP personnel will be accommodated at the nearest state university or national high schools.
Duterte added that students with exceptional intelligence could be used by the country.
“So they will enjoy scholarship. So long-term iyan. Ipasok ko na iyan ngayon mentras ako pa ang Presidente. So iyan ang masasabi … so libre ang edukasyon – kindergarten hanggang college,” he said.
The President said he would need the help of the Senate for this to happen.
“Well, ang importante kasi, what bothers you lalo na kayong mga may pamilya [ay] anak ninyo. Alam ko iyan. Maski sino. Tayo, one day in our lives, ganun na, nandiyan na iyan eh,” Duterte said.
“Kung mabuhay ka, mabuhay, mag-abot ka pa ng Valor diyan kung ginusto ninyo. But ang inyong problema is ang pamilya.
So alam ko iyan. May programa ako sa lahat.”
Duterte added that if it were up to him, he would promote everyone on the spot.
“In the sight of the Filipino people, you are all generals,” he said.
The president also facilitated the rehabilitation of a soldier who was blinded by an encounter.
He said that the soldier is now learning Braille.
“But I am not a soldier, I don’t know kung saan ako papunta, pero ganito iyan. Lahat naman tayo eh, lahat tayo may sinusunod. Whether you like it or not, there is always a day for you. So kayong medyo lumusot, it means to say, fight again. But this I can assure you, my presidency will take care of you. Wala kayong dapat alalahanin.” (YAS OCAMPO)