De Castro: Do your share to solve RP’s woes

BUTUAN CITY — Freshly sworn-in, Vice President Noli de Castro has urged Filipinos to do their share in solving the country’s woes.

De Castro has said he wants to serve as a "bridge" to all opposition political parties and interest groups by extending a hand of reconciliation for unity and progress.

In his inaugural speech at the Urios College Gym here, De Castro said it is time to heal the nation’s wounds and for the people to forget politics.

He urged every Filipino to help solve the country’s problems, saying, "let us rally together behind this cause and let the heroes in all of us carry it towards the bright future that is awaiting us all."

"Entrusted by the Filipino people with the second highest position in our government mindful to the great responsibilities which attach to my office and promising unreserved devotion, on my part, to the faithful discharge of my duties, I fervently invoked the guidance and blessing of our Almighty God," De Castro said at the conclusion of his inaugural address.

He reiterated the President’s call for the cooperation of every Filipino in solving the nation’s problems and said everybody must set aside personal interests and greed and look towards the greater welfare of the majority.

De Castro was unable to make his inaugural address in Cebu City after he and the President took their oaths of office before Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

He said he will maintain his role as the voice of the people, especially the downtrodden, and that he will perform his duties and responsibilities with utmost dedication and concern. De Castro and his wife, Arlene, arrived earlier at the Urios College Gym along with some Cabinet officials.

The President said in her post-inaugural address, that it is timely that De Castro made his inaugural address in Butuan City, since his wife Arlene is from Maguindanao.

Mrs. Arroyo and De Castro said their visit to Butuan City represents their undying commitment for the welfare and development of the island of Mindanao.