ILOILO – Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio made an unannounced, low-key visit to Sara, Iloilo, on Thursday, November 12, engaging elementary school pupils in storytelling and tree planting even as her impeachment trial continues in the Senate.
Duterte-Carpio’s surprise appearance at Sara Central Elementary School caught local residents off guard, with municipal officials saying the Vice President had specifically requested that her visit be kept discreet, without invitations to other local government officials or the media.
The Vice President was first spotted shortly after 5 a.m. boarding a waiting van at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town before proceeding to Sara.
Her visit coincided with the observance of National Reading Month and National Children’s Month.
At the school, Duterte-Carpio conducted a storytelling session with Grade 3 pupils, sharing lessons from her book, “Isang Kaibigan,” which emphasizes friendship, kindness and the importance of reading.
She also participated in a tree-planting activity under the Office of the Vice President’s Ang PagbaBAGo: A Million Trees Campaign, an initiative promoting environmental protection and sustainability.
Sara’s Mayor Jon Aying confirmed that Duterte-Carpio wanted the visit to remain low-profile.
“Happy gid ako kay daw ano bala – Vice President, ikaduha nga pinakamataas nga pinuno sa bilog nga pungsod sang Pilipinas ang nagbisita sa banwa sang Sara,” said Aying, a former Philippine Army general.
The mayor, who personally welcomed Duterte-Carpio, said their brief interaction involved no substantial discussions beyond the Vice President’s expression of gratitude for the warm reception.
“Nagpasalamat gid sia sa pagbaton sa iya sang mainit-init kag happy sia nga nakabisita sia,” Aying added.
Duterte-Carpio’s visit lasted only a few hours. Her convoy, accompanied by police security personnel, departed the municipality at around 11 a.m.
Aying did not disclose the Vice President’s next destination.
The visit came against the backdrop of Duterte-Carpio’s ongoing impeachment trial, which has placed her under intense national political scrutiny.
Vice Mayor Ryan Zerrudo welcomed Duterte-Carpio’s presence, too, calling it a source of pride for the municipality.
He said the Vice President’s interaction with pupils underscored the importance of education, friendship and environmental responsibility.
“It was indeed a memorable and meaningful occasion for the students, teachers, and the entire community of Sara. Thank you for visiting our beloved municipality and for sharing an inspiring message that encourages both the young generation and the community to value education, friendship, and environmental stewardship,” Zerrudo said./PN
