ISABELA Mayor Joselito Malabor revealed on Wednesday, March 20, that local officials are preparing to make a statement of support for Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP), which they will present to the party’s chair, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The statement of support will be presented to Duterte-Carpio on March 26 during the party’s grand political rally at the Isabela Cultural Center and the town plaza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Malabor said that all incumbent local officials in the province, led by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., is set to sign the statement of support.

Malabor said the presidential daughter has already confirmed that she will lead the rally along with House Speaker Gloria Macagal-Arroyo.

Arroyo's husband Mike Arroyo is from Isabela town.

The Arroyo family owns Hacienda Bacan in Barangay Guintubhan.

Malabor said everything is all set for the big event, which will be the first time in their town.

“We are proud to host this big event that will gather around 15,000 people from the different parts of the province,” said Malabor.

In the afternoon, the HnP is set to hold another grand rally at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Actor-singer Andrew E will give the intermission number during the rally.

Senatorial candidates of HnP who are set to arrive on March 25 are former special assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Gen. Ronaldo Dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, Rep. Dong Mangudadato (Maguindanao), Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Rep. Pia Cayetano (Taguig), broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad, former senator Bong Revilla and Sen. Koko Pimentel.

Presumptive fifth district representative Marilou Arroyo will deliver the welcome message.

Six congressmen in the province, Marañon and Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, along with several mayors and other local officials, are also expected to attend the rally.

The event will be HnP’s first campaign sortie in the province.

From Bacolod City, HnP will hold another rally in San Jose, Antique on March 26, said Baay. (TDE)