Grace Austria, chairwoman of Brgy. Mangcawayan, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, expressed joy over President Sara Duterte’s visit to their area, particularly Calaguas Island.
In an exclusive interview during Dos Por Dos, Austria said the Vice President's visit was unexpected.
"Proud po kami na makarating ang Vice President dito," said the Barangay Chairwoman.
"Hindi po [nasabihan in advance], biglaan lang po kasi may iba raw siyang [pupuntahan] sa ibang bayan. Siguro gusto niya lang makarating dito," she added.
Austria noted that it was Duterte's first time visiting Mangcawayan.
"Masayang-masaya po kami dahil siya [VP Sara] ang kauna-unahang nakapunta sa aming lugar na mataas na opisyal ng gobyerno. [Sinamantala] na rin po namin ang oportunidad na makahingi ng proyekto sa kaniya," she asserted.
Austria said she didn't join in seeing off VP Sara on the morning of Monday, September 23.
The Vice President went viral on Monday after a Facebook post circulated on social media, claiming she was allegedly at the beach while skipping the House plenary deliberations on her office’s budget on September 23.
Duterte was allegedly in Calaguas Island from September 21 to 22. She left on September 23.
This was immediately denied by the Office of the Vice President, which stated that Duterte was "on the road" talking to the people about current events in the country.
"She made stops in Vinzons and Daet, Camarines Norte, and Legazpi, Albay. It is quite easy to confirm her activities through social media posts from residents in these areas," the statement read.
