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The Punisher The Catalyst for Change More than 7, 107 islands with numerous numbers of seas, encircled with thousands of mountains that were divided into 17 regions, with more than 100 million people, compose our beloved country, Philippines, and we are all governed by one strong man, our President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. But the big question that lingers in the mind of every Filipino is “Can this man give the change every Filipino dreams of?” Dubbed as “The Punisher” and “Dirty Harry of Davao,” President Rodrigo Duterte is said to be among the rare breed of politicians who walk the talk. His ironclad leadership certainly does not silence the critics, but had been instrumental in turning Davao City into the World’s 4 th Safest City. But controversies and media hype aside, does this tough-talking gentleman have the makings of a great president? Our 16th president was born on March 28, 1945 in the province of Maasin, Leyte and was nicknamed “Digong. His father served as the governor of Davao while his mother was a public school teacher. He is the second of his parents’ five children. Digong started his education at Laboon Elementary School in Maasin and he continued his studies in Santa Ana Elementary School when their family shifted to Davao City. His high school education was not at all smooth. After being expelled from two schools for unruly behavior, he was finally itted to the High School Department of Holy Cross College and ultimately completed his schooling from there. It was not that he was a bad student. He just enjoyed hanging around with city toughs and became street-smart, picking up their vocabulary and mannerism. Although it caused immense trouble during his school days and earned him severe whipping at home, the experience later helped him to connect with the masses. After ing out from school, he was sent to Manila and itted to Lyceum of the Philippines University and he graduated from there with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Subsequently, he entered San Beda College of Law and earned his degree in 1972. In the same year, he also cleared his bar examination. As early as 1986, President Duterte has been active in the political area. He was never out of politics. The credit for changing the very face of Davao City goes solely to him. Davao City was awarded the ‘National Literacy Hall of Fame Award’ for qualifying for the ‘Outstanding Local Government Unit Highly Urbanized City’ category thrice. Duterte’s war on drugs is one of his most important works that he undertook as the Mayor of Davao City. Although many accuse him of human rights violation and extra judicial killings he was able to eradicate the danger and make the city free from drugs. As a Mayor, he also started a war on crime. During his tenure the crime rate went down drastically. Because of his ruthless eradication of criminals, he has been dubbed as ‘The Punisher’ by Times Magazine. Last June 30, 2016, he assumed the office of the President of Philippines for a term of six years. He is the first Mindanaoan President of the country. Just within almost three months as a president, he already made big changes in our country especially in of criminality. Through his achievements, Filipinos are starting to see a silver lining behind every dark clouds. Though he became controversial because of the decisions he made, one thing is for sure, he has turned a backwater city into a global benchmark. He is not that sophisticated. He is that rarity – a plainspoken man who wants the world to work for everyone. Therein lies his greatness. He is an ordinary man with ordinary dreams – the dream of a better life. What makes

him great is his willingness to defend your right to a fair share – your share of a decent life, a happy home and a peaceful nation.