FORMER president Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte will celebrate his 80th birthday on Friday, March 28, with a quiet celebration, marked only by a simple “happy birthday” song from Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
Castro, during a press briefing in Malacañang, stated that she would offer a birthday message, simply singing “happy birthday” to the former president. She emphasized the importance of celebrating the birthday with joy and wishing him well. Castro also mentioned that she would remind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about Duterte’s birthday, hoping he would also send a birthday message.
Duterte, known for his aversion to grand celebrations, has traditionally avoided large gatherings on his birthday. The people of Davao, his hometown, are accustomed to his low-key approach, with no large parties or public events marking the occasion. In the past, Duterte would often spend his birthday visiting children at the House of Hope within the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), a tradition he held dear.
This year, however, the celebration will be vastly different. Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, will be unable to participate in his usual birthday activities. He will be separated from his family and unable to visit the children at the House of Hope.
Despite the circumstances, the former president’s birthday will still be marked by well wishes from those who remember his unique approach to celebrations. The quiet, personal nature of his birthday tradition, even in the face of his current situation, reflects his commitment to simplicity and his dedication to those in need, particularly the children battling cancer.
