“UNDER the circumstances, health will still continue to be a top priority.”
This was stressed by incumbent Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia after he and his companions in Grupo Progreso (GP) filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) Wednesday, October 6.
Aside from Leonardia, incumbent Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, incumbent Councilors Cindy Rojas, Carlos Jose Lopez, Dindo Ramos, Renecito Novero, Israel Salanga, and Archie Baribar are also seeking reelection under the local political coalition.
Former councilor and now executive director of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Em Ang, together with her deputy for medical and data analysis, Dr. Chris Sorongon, former Barangay 18 Captain Jonathan Diaz, former Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) president Eddie Guillem, broadcaster Marlon Solidum, and Information technology expert Cash Montalvo, who is the daughter of former Mayor Jose Montalvo, completed the group’s lineup for councilor.
Before the filing of their COCs, the entire slate of GP held a press conference at Acacia Hotel in the city.
In the afternoon, they attended a mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral and marched going to the Comelec-Bacolod office for the filing.
Leonardia described their slate as a perfect combination.
“It is a combination of experience, competence, track record, youth and even gender sensitivity (and) it is a change for the better,” he said.
Leonardia, a member of the Nacionalista Party (NP), said they personally filed their COCs because this is a significant activity.
”It is a kind of exercise that should be honored,” he said.
GP was conceptualized in 2004 and was formalized and launched in 2007.
For Leonardia, this is the group that made Bacolod a top model city on top of being the most competitive city in the Visayas.
The mayor noted their accomplishments like the construction of the Bacolod Government Center, the relocation sites, sanitary landfill and Bacolod City College, among others.
Leonardia recalled that before the pandemic, Bacolod City was growing, the fastest growth ever in history. This can be proven by facts and figures, he said.
“But of course, because of the pandemic we are affected and we admit that, it’s not only in Bacolod, but it has affected the Philippines or the whole world. So, we are looking forward to the fact that this pandemic will not stay here forever,” he explained.
“The Grupo Progreso is a group that will bring us to the road to recovery and we will assure you that as soon as we’re there, we will put Bacolod back on track,” he said.
For his part, Familiaran said this is another milestone in his journey as public servant because this is his third and last term as vice mayor, while Rojas said she’s grateful as it is also her third and last term.
“It’s very dynamic, very diverse coming from different sectors. It’s a formidable lineup,” she said.
Lopez said it is his second term and as a public servant, he will continue to serve the people of Bacolod.
“I understand the suffering of our people, we are not perfect but let’s help each other for the development of Bacolod. We have a perfect combination team so let’s work together for the good of the people of Bacolod,” he said.
Still in GP
Meanwhile, despite announcing his neutrality, GP is still supporting and included the name of incumbent Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya in their tarpaulins and posters.
Gasataya said he appreciates the gestures of support they have shown him in his current position.
“I extend my sincere appreciation for their kind words and may we all continue to work for the welfare of the people of Bacolod City,” he said.
He reiterated that Leonardia and former Negros Occidental Third District representative Albee Benitez, who is challenging the former, are both significant parts of both his political and personal journey.
“They were my maninoys (godfathers) on my wedding way back many years ago. Mayor Bing Leonardia earlier stated that they consider me as part of the Grupo Progreso family,” he said.
He added that Benitez also assured to support his candidacy regardless of his political position.