Vice President Sara Duterte, accompanied by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, attended the Office of the Vice President's EXTRA+Ordinary Pop-Up Exhibit in Davao City on March 14, 2026. This event is a key part of the ongoing nationwide celebration for the OVP's 90th anniversary, highlighting the historical significance and contributions of the vice presidency in the Philippines.
Exhibit Details and Schedule
The pop-up exhibit, which is open to the public free of charge, features a March leg with two major stops. It was held at Ayala Malls Abreeza from March 10 to 14, and it will continue at the National Museum of the Philippines-Davao from March 15 to 28. The exhibit aims to educate Filipinos about the vice presidency through interactive displays and historical artifacts.
Book Launch and Signing Ceremony
During the event, Vice President Duterte led the launch and signing of the commemorative coffee table book titled First in Line: Vice Presidents of the Philippines. This book documents the stories, leadership, challenges, and roles of all 14 vice presidents in shaping the country's political and institutional development. Duterte and Arroyo personally signed copies for guests and participants, emphasizing the importance of preserving political history.
Key Attendees and Support
In addition to Duterte and Arroyo, the event was attended by local officials from the Davao City Local Government Unit and representatives from the private sector, including Ayala Corporation. Notable figures acknowledged during the program included:
- Jaime Alfonso Antonio Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility
- Paolo F. Borromeo, President and CEO of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc.
- Cel A. Rosales-Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Communications of Ayala Foundation
- Janice A. Parreño, General Manager of Ayala Malls Abreeza
- Former Philippine ambassador Shirley Ho-Vicario, Pearl Viernes, April Torres, and Pamela and Igy Castrillo of Blue Iguana
Messages from Leaders
In her speech, Vice President Duterte stressed the critical role of the vice presidency in governance and public service. She noted that historically, the office has been undervalued, often seen merely as proximity to power rather than a position of influence itself. Duterte stated, "For decades, the vice presidency was restrained, set aside, and treated as proximity to power rather than power itself." She also encouraged young Filipinos to engage critically with the nation's history, saying, "Every republic stays alive not only because it has a past, but because its youth has the courage to demand a history that is honest, complete, and unvarnished."
Former President Arroyo expressed her support for initiatives that document Philippine political history, highlighting the importance of such efforts in fostering a deeper understanding of leadership and governance. Both leaders underscored the need for transparency and education in political processes.
Exhibit Accessibility and Impact
The EXTRA+Ordinary Pop-Up Exhibit is designed to be accessible to all, with no admission fees, as part of the OVP's commitment to public engagement. By showcasing the vice presidency's evolution and contributions, the event aims to inspire civic participation and historical awareness among Filipinos, particularly the youth. This celebration not only honors past leaders but also sets a precedent for future governance and institutional development in the country.
