Aquino worries about being emotional

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16, 2015). (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

MANILA — President Aquino fears that his emotions might worsen the country’s problems.

“Hindi ako pwedeng magpadala sa bugso ng aking emosyon dahil baka mapalala ko pa ang problema (I cannot become emotional because that might just worsen the problem),” Aquino said.

Following the recent Mamasapano incident which killed 44 policemen, Aquino said on his speech during the Tayo (Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations) Awards in Malacañang on Tuesday that he is trying his best to be strong for the country.

“Kamakailan lang humarap ulit ang sambayanan sa panibagong pagsubok bunsod ng insidente sa Mamasapano (Lately, the nation again faced a new challenge caused by the Mamasapano incident),” he told the attendees of the event.

“Bilang Pangulo, ginagawa ko ang lahat upang harapin at tugunan ang mga suliranin ng bansa. Madalas binabalewala na lang natin ang pagod at puyat (As President I am doing everything to face and answer the country’s problems. Oftentimes I just disregard fatigue and lack of sleep),” he said.

He added that as the President , he has to remain calm amid the challenges confronting the country.

“Sa bawat pagkakataon kailangan kong maging mahinahon at laging balikan kung para saan natin ginagawa ang ating pagsisikap (In every opportunity I have to be calm and to recall why we persevere),” he explained.

Aquino also commended the awardees and nominees in the event for their dedication in giving service to the Filipino people.

“Mula sa pagkakaloob ng kabuhayan at dekalidad na edukasyon para sa mga katutubo at kapos-palad nating kababayan, paglinang sa kaalaman sa modernong kagamitan, pagsusulong ng musikang Pilipino, pagpapabuti ng supply ng kuryente, at pag-aruga sa kalusugan, hanggang sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan; nakikibahagi kayo sa solusyon imbes na dumagdag sa problema (From giving livelihood and quality education to indigenous peoples and the needy, teaching how to use modern equipment, promoting Filipino music, improving the supply of electricity, nurturing health, to caring for the environment; you are contributing to the solution instead of adding to the problem),” the President said.