DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Some residents of Davao City stepped out of their homes and gathered to watch the oath-taking of their beloved mayor as the country’s next president. 

At a downtown market on Thursday, June 30, a small viewing party was set up for those who wanted to witness the oath-taking of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. 

Organizer Chelo Kilaton said the owner of the “Mallengke” market thought of setting up a free viewing party upon learning that the city government would not hold a public viewing. 

The Davao City Information Office said they did not push through with a public viewing since the inauguration would be streamed live on various media platforms. Top Davao City government officials are also in Manila accompanying Duterte. 

Organizers setting up here at Mallengke in Davao City for a public viewing of Duterte’s inauguration @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/4gplB4lRxi

— Patty Pasion (@pattypasion) June 29, 2016

Attending viewers may take a photo with a Duterte standee here. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/HCjGtOnOD0

— Patty Pasion (@pattypasion) June 30, 2016

But for some residents, Duterte’s inauguration deserved to be watched on a big screen.

Lucita Magsayon, the first to arrive at the venue at 6 am, said in Filipino: “I like it here better than on TV because I can feel the excitement [of the moment].”

69 y.o. Lucita Magsayon came here as early as 6am to get a seat @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/iO5bgmGg20

— Patty Pasion (@pattypasion) June 29, 2016

69-year-old Federico Casakit, a self-confessed Duterte fan, also said: “Kasi ang laki-laki, parang kasama ko siya.” (Because I can see him on a big screen, it’s like I am with him.) 

Viewers were excited to see their mayor-turned-president, clapping and cheering every time Duterte was seen on camera, even before he actually took his oath.

The excitement wound down temporarily when the broadcast was cut due to a technical problem. But the avid Duterte supporters made do with a small TV until the stream returned.

Aside from the viewing party at the private market, an LCD screen located in front of the Davao City Hall also showed a livestream of the inauguration.

Rappler also spotted a resident who said she preferred watching through her mobile device. 

A Davaoeña watching the inauguration live via her mobile phone #PresidentDuterte #VPLeni @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/ZbvZWWd6gv

— Patty Pasion (@pattypasion) June 30, 2016

Progressive groups from across Mindanao, who rallied for peace last Tuesday, June 28, also gathered again at the Rizal Park beside the city hall to express their full support for Duterte. (READ: Thousands rally in Davao to show support for Duterte admin peace talks)

– Rappler.com