Lahug residents launch group to support Cutie’s candidacy

AN estimated 2,000 residents of Barangay Lahug launched a movement to express their support for the congressional bid of Rachel “Cutie” del Mar in Cebu City’s north district.

The movement, which was launched yesterday, is known as Lahug for Cutie Movement (LCM).

It was organized by four Lahug-based organizations: Special Operations Saturation (SOS), Independent Young-Minds Lahug Youth, Kamagong and Fort-My City.

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During his talk, Engr. Victor Arcenas of Kamagong said the movement seeks to give del Mar’s campaign a big boost in the district, especially in the barangay, considering it is the turf of Lahug Barangay Captain Mary Ann delos Santos, del Mar’s rival for the north district House seat.

“Ang Sitio Kamagong, dako kaayo nga sitio ug dako sad ug botante. Paninguhaon namo nga si Cutie ang atong mahimong congressman (Sitio Kamagong covers a big area and has a huge number of voters. We will try our best to ensure Cutie’s victory here),” said Arcenas.

Arcenas said they will not only campaign for del Mar within the barangay but in the entire north district as well.

In an interview, del Mar said the move of LCM came as a pleasant surprise to her.

“I didn’t know that they have come up with this idea. It was really a very pleasant surprise and whenever people want to do things for me, we always welcome that,” she said.

Asked what she will do for the people of Lahug if she will win, del Mar said she will continue implementing and expanding the programs started by her father, Rep. Raul del Mar, who is on his last term.

Del Mar, however, added that she will be implementing other projects and programs that will focus on women and children.

Meanwhile, delos Santos said she is not bothered by the launching of LCM and the number of people who showed up yesterday.

“The movement doesn’t really affect me at all and I’m not bothered. I am very, very confident in Lahug and I know where I stand,” she said.

De los Santos said that organizing a movement is a welcome thing as the people will be able to know their candidate up close.

However, she said she is confident of the support she will get from her constituents in the May polls. (PDF)