MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE 2 10:16 a.m.) — Liberal Party's Leni Robredo on Thursday morning formally took her oath of office as the 14th vice president of the country.
Robredo's oath was administered by two town captains Ronaldo Coner of Barangay Punta Tarawal, Calabangga, Camarines Sur and Regina Celeste San Miguel of Barangay Mariana Quezon City. She was sworn in at the Quezon City Reception Hall where she will also hold office.
In her inaugural address, Robredo delivered message calling for unity and referred to the poor, or those in the fringes of society, several times.
"Ang ating pagtutulungan ang ating pinakamabisang puhunan. Napatunayan na nating hindi sagabal ang anumang kakulangan sa totoo, tapat at pursigidong paglilingkod. Ang pagsubok ay kabilang mukha lamang ng pagkakataon." Robredo said.
Robredo sought for Filipinos help as she takes office, vowing to try to give relief to the public's woes.
"Ang sandaling ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa akin. Ito ang pagkakataon na makasama ang mga nasa laylayan tungo sa maginhawang buhay," she said.
She who wore an off-white Filipiniana gown made by Paul Cabral.
Robredo's daughters Jillian, Tricia and Aika were present to witness her oath and serve as the Bible bearer.
Other program participants were representative from various sectors. Her flag raisers were Bangsamoro woman leader Jehanne Mutin, Sumilao farmer Bajekjek Merida, urban poor leader Alice Murphy and persons with disability representative Gabriel Querubin.
Four prayers were heard at the ecumenical service. A Christian prayer was led by young campaign volunteer Cyleen Velasquez, Ifugao prayer was by indigenous groups' leader Delfin Dimog Dulnuan, the Muslim prayer was led by National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Commissioner Uztadz Abdulhadi Daguit, and the Catholic prayer was led by Sister Cho Borromeo.
Robredo's inauguration was attended by around 300 guests. Among other notable guests were Robredo's running mate Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and presidential sister Kris Aquino, her biggest donor and representative of the Aquino family.
After her inauguration, Robredo is scheduled to attend her thanksgiving victory party dubbed "Pagkakaisa at Pasasalamat" at the Quezon Memorial Circle at 5 p.m onwards. — Video edited by Efigenio Toledo IV courtesy of the Office of the Vice President
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Editor's note: The article earlier noted that Vice President Robredo's inaugural gown was designed by Rajo Laurel. It was Paul Cabral who did.