Teri Ricchiuti and her students at Fresno Adventist Academy were shocked to hear that message from the President of Philippines.
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"What an honor. We were overwhelmed," said Ricchiuti.
The international shout-out came courtesy of 11-year-old Andre Esteban, who wrote a letter to President Duterte as part of his nationality assignment. He asked his mom to mail a letter.
"She posted it on Facebook instead and asked people if they could help her make it reach the president," said Andre.
Social media makes the world a much smaller place.
"The following morning I was shocked. There was like 2,000 shares. What? What's going on? I was shocked. I was not thinking it might happen," said Almyra Esteban.
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Just two days later, Duterte's special assistant, Christopher Bong Go, posted the president's greeting.
"Especially to you Andre Esteban. Andre, I received your letter request and am most happy to oblige. I am sure you will do a great report," said Duterte.
"I was like, what? Are you sure this is him?" said Andre.
"We have to write like a hundred lines about the country. I guess he's going to get his whole entire page," said Andre.
"It was amazing. I said you definitely went over the top. Definitely extra credit, you know," said Ricchiuti.
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Ricchiuti urges her students to learn more about their heritage. The presidential message made it more special.
"Continue being a good son and study well," said Duterte.
"I was surprised. I was actually happy that he responded," said Andre.
The class even taped a special message for Duterte.