On September 26, 2015, MRRD NECC (Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee) and other sectoral organizations supporting then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte mounted the People’s Call in Rizal Park, Manila. The People’s Call was an event to show the genuine clamor of the Filipinos for the mayor to run as a presidential candidate. Despite the lack of financial resources and widespread media promotion, the People’s Call garnered almost a million attendees who showed their unwavering allegiance to the Davao City mayor.
Fast forward a year later, Mayor Duterte is now the president of the Philippines. The huge turnout for the People’s Call was not a fluke but was just actually a small percentage of those who wanted to see him realize that “change is coming” to the Philippines.
In order to celebrate the first year anniversary of the People’s Call, MRRD NECC marked the momentous occasion on September 24, 2016 in Quezon Memorial Circle. With the theme “People’s Call for Patriotism: Pagmamahal sa Bayan, Hindi sa Sarili”, the three-hour long event started at 8am and ended at 11am. Activities included an ecumenical service, speeches from leaders of different agencies and public sectors and pledge of support for President Duterte.
Those present at the first year anniversary of People’s Call were from the different MRRD NECC chapters, Department of Justice (DOJ), VACC, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Progressive Groups, Sectoral Groups, Fisherfolk, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), Farmers, and LGBT. The members of the LGBT community led the Zumba exercise at 6am.
The gates of Quezon Memorial Circle opened at 5am for those who attended the first year anniversary of the People’s Call. Registration for the event followed soon after. Photos by Miley Tray
A Freedom Wall was erected at the site of the event for guests to express support for President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo by Mitso
TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong gave a rousing speech. Sec. Mamondiong is one of the pillars of MRRD NECC. Photo by Mitso
DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Undersecretary Emily Padilla, DILG Undersecretary John Castriciones, TESDA Secretary Gene Mamondiong, and DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) Undersecretary Virginia Orogo. Photo by Mitso
The stage was filled with leaders from MRRD NECC and other organizations that remain faithful to President Duterte. Photo by Mitso
The men of MMDA with MMDM (Metro Manila Duterte Movement) Secretary General Manny Dadulla. Photo by EE
Supporters of President Duterte still pumping their fists to show their allegiance, a year after the successful People’s Call. Photo by Miley Tray
Since the enthusiasm of those who attended the first year anniversary of People’s Call is infectious, here is another photo of their fist-pumping moment. Photo by Miley Tray.
Representatives of different sectoral groups came with their tarpaulins. Olongapo City loves President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo by Mitso
Tarpaulins of groups supporting President Duterte included those from DDS Metro Manila. Photo by Miley Tray
Others who came to show their strength and support were Angeles City, PENAMFRED Bulacan Chapter, NICOPHIL and PDP-Laban. Photo by Miley Tray
MRRD NECC – Ilocos Norte Chapter was also at the first anniversary of the People’s Call. Photo by Miley Tray.
People’s Call for Patriotism: Pagmamahal sa Bayan Hindi sa Sarili. A tarpaulin from Senate President Koko Pimentel. Photo by Miley Tray.
A tarpaulin by September 26 Movement shows President Duterte with some of the greatest Filipino heroes. Photo by Miley Tray
To learn more about MRRD NECC, please read this and this.
To read more about TESDA Secretary Gene Mamondiong, please proceed here.