MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to unite and help each other as the country celebrated Independence Day Wednesday.

'Ito ay isa ring paalala sa atin na ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa tungo sa isang matatag, mapayapa, at maunlad na bansang Pilipinas (This is also a reminder to us to continue helping each other and be united towards a strong, peaceful, and prosperous Philippines),' Duterte said in her short Independence Day message at the Rizal Park in San Pedro Square, Davao City.