VIP. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar (right) meets with local officials at the office of Quezon Mayor Poling Lorenzo in Bukidnon's Third District on Dec. 6, 2021. Andanar assured local officials the Duterte administration will support their fight against Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of Quezon, Bukidnon Facebook) KIBAWE, Bukidnon - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured officials here that the government will not abandon them in their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic until the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's term next year. In his engagement with local officials on December 6, Andanar said having a President who comes from Mindanao and has a good track record in political leadership are key factors to effectively run the country. "Naa mi diri karon para i-assure si Mayor and the rest of the LGU (local government unit) officials that the President will continue to do his job nga paninguhaon nga makab-ot nato ang proteksyon batok Covid-19 (We are here to assure the mayor and the rest of the LGU officials that the President will continue to do his job to ensure that we will reach protection against the Covid-19)," Andanar said. He also sought the continued support of the LGU in the remaining months of the administration by intensifying campaigns that will encourage more of their constituents to get vaccinated. "Mangayo lang ko'g assurance pud ug suporta kay unom nalang ka bulan ang nabilin sa Duterte administration ug importante ni para sa recovery sa atong nasud gikan sa negative na epekto sa pandemya (I am asking for your assurance as well and support because we only have six months remaining and this is important for the recovery of our country from the negative effects of the pandemic)," he added. During the same engagement, Kibawe Mayor Reynaldo Ang Rabanes said despite the distance, they feel closer to the national government and connected to the Office of the President, which provided them easier access and support their requests for funding of various projects. "Taliwala nga layo kayo ta sa mga sikat nga lungsod pero naa diha ang presensya nga mura ba'g ato lang sila nga makab-ot. Mao na'y gitawag nga usa ka Duterte legacy kay lahi ra gyud ang pag-alaga sa atong mga gagmay nga lungsod (Even though we are far from those known cities, we can still feel the presence in such a way that we can easily reach out. That's what you call a real Duterte legacy because there's attention given to small towns like us)," Rabanes said. (PR) }