A pair of Europe-based Filipino entrepreneurs have launched a range of DU30 wines in honour of the president.
Maria Elizabeth Briton Famorcan and Chona Abiertas Tenorio have pledged that 0.20 euros from the sale of each bottle will be donated to good causes supported by the president.
Speaking to the government’s Philippine News Agency, Ms Famorcan, who was Duterte’s country campaign manager for Italy in last year’s election, said: “We decided to come up with an idea of ‘Duterte or DU30 Wines’ in his honour, in which part of the benefits will be donated to the livelihood or rehabilitation programmes of the President.”
The DU30 wines, including a Cava Special Edition, will be officially launched on August 26 in Barcelona, Spain.
“Everybody is excited over this project,” she said. “We have invited President Duterte to grace the launch but his schedule is so tight.
“So, hopefully, other top government officials could come and represent the president.”
She added that she was also expecting more than 200 guests and Duterte supporters from across Europe at the launch.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” she said.
“This conviction inspired us to do something different to support PRRD and his livelihood programme.
“So here comes the DU30 Wines and Cava, the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages made from a delicate and highly valued grape variety.”
Ms Famorcan said that a separate launch was planned for Manila later this year, to give the president a chance to personally introduce the wines to the home market.
Before then, it is expected that about 10,000 bottles of the wine will be ordered in Europe alone in the run up to the launch in Barcelona.
“This concept was formed out of our love for country and the president because he is being bombarded by so many criticisms despite his efforts to make the Philippines a better nation again.
“We know that many of our kababayan (countrymen) are still without job. I hope in our own little way, we can make a difference in helping our country with this kind of project.”