CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered in various parts of Cagayan de Oro on Saturday to mark his 81st birth anniversary, holding low-key celebrations and community events to honor the former leader.
Despite his absence from the public eye during the day, loyalists in Northern Mindanao organized “feeding programs” and small gatherings, reflecting the enduring grassroots support the former chief executive maintains in the region.
In several barangays, local organizers distributed packed meals and hosted community prayers, describing the activities as a tribute to Duterte’s “legacy of leadership.” Many participants wore the signature red and blue colors associated with his previous campaigns, sharing personal stories of how his administration’s policies impacted their lives.
“We wanted to show that he is not forgotten, especially here in Mindanao,” said one local organizer. “This is our way of wishing him good health and thanking him for his service to the country.”
The celebrations in Cagayan de Oro were part of a broader wave of greetings from political allies and social media tributes that trended throughout the weekend. While the former president has largely retired to his private residence in Davao City, his birthday remains a significant date for his “DDS” (Duterte Diehard Supporters) base.
While some political figures sent formal greetings via social platforms, the events in CDO remained focused on community-level appreciation. Supporters noted that the “simple” nature of the celebrations was in line with the former president’s own preference for avoiding lavish parties.
As the former leader enters his 80s, his influence continues to be a central topic in Philippine political discourse, particularly as the nation looks toward future electoral cycles and the evolving landscape of Mindanao politics.