“IT'S a campaign like no other. Negrenses show us how they love unconditionally.”
This was how an overwhelmed presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo described the Pink People’s Rally held at the Paglaum Stadium in Bacolod City last night, March 11, attended by an estimated crowed of at least 70,000 supporters clad in pink.
Robredo, who was joined by her runningmate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and their senatorial candidates, said they felt the love of the Negrenses.
“Ipinaramdam nyo po ito sa amin buong araw nang umikot po kami mula [You let us feel it for the whole day as we visited] San Carlos, Sagay, Kabankalan, Himamaylan, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, La Carlota and Bacolod,” she said in her speech.
As she thanked them for their warm welcome, the vice president said she is proud of every Negrense for willingly joining the grand rally even on their own expense and amid the intermittent light rains.
“Hindi lang sa hindi kayo bayad, abonado pa kayo. Pasensya na po,” Robredo said, recognizing the spirit of volunteerism, as well as the wit, skills and creativity of the supporters from the province in coming up with placards and other stuff as their way of showing their support to her group.
Aside from wearing pink shirts and ribbons, supporters also brought with them lanterns as they considered Robredo as the “star of hope.”
“Nakakawala ng pagod at nakaka-inspire ang creativity and energy ninyo” she told the crowd.
During the rally, the organizer announced that as of 6:30 p.m., the crowed at the Paglaum Stadium and its vicinity reached at least 70,000 citing the data provided by the Office of the Provincial Administrator of Negros Occidental.
According to Robredo's camp, the province mustered the biggest crowd yet for a grand people's rally for the presidential candidate and her team.
For Robredo, this is a clear manifestation that this is not just a campaign for the candidates. Rather, it’s a campaign “for our dreams, for all our loved ones, for an honest government that will uplift the lives of everyone.”
“It is just fitting that we are gathered here in Paglaum Stadium as this is also a campaign for hope,” she said, adding that “as our lights continue to shine together, more will see its brightness.”
Robredo said that, if she wins, she will make sure that farmers in Negros Occidental will be given enough help and support like access to farm inputs including machinery and fertilizers, among others.
This will boost the farmers income, she said, adding that they will push for more comprehensive sugar industry development roadmap including modernization and diversification to be able to compete in the bigger markets.
Robredo also reiterated her support to the revival of Negros Island Region (NIR) that will benefit the Negrenses, assuring that they will work for the realization of the Negros-Panay Bridge to boost the region’s economy.
Also, the vice president vowed to support the effort to bring to every Negrense households the benefits of renewable energy (RE).
“Sa lahat ng nakikita ko ngayon, kaupod ko ang Bacolod, kaupod ko ang Negros Occidental, kaupod kita sa away nga ini [With all that I am seeing now, I am with Bacolod, I am with Negros Occidental, I am with you in this fight],” Robredo said.
She added that, “Your strength traverses. We have made this in 2016 elections, you gave me a huge win. I know, we can again make it this 2022.”
Robredo further stressed that the true unity is the one that will destroy the old and rotten system, and will pursue an honest government that will elevate the lives of the Filipinos.
As the election nears, the presidential bet urged Negrenses to continue doing their best in the “fight for right and truth” and in amplifying their voices for a kind of government that is honest, people-centered, and truly united.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who introduced Robredo during the grand rally, said he is not alone for Robredo as “we are 70,000 strong.”
Lacson, who earlier expressed his support to the vice president, was joined on stage by Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III and Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalate Jr.
“Ang aton kandidato mabinuligon. Ang aton kandidato sinsero. Kag pinakaimportante sa tanan, ang aton kandidato masaligan [Our candidate is helpful. Our candidate is sincere. And most importantly, our candidate is trustworthy],” the governor said referring to Robredo.
For his part, Pangilinan said he is overwhelmed and elated by how the Negrenses embraced them.
He was introduced by his wife, Megastar Sharon Cuneta who led a number of celebrities, personalities and artists in headlining the “star-studded” grand rally.
Pangilinan reminded supporters that what is at stake in voting for the next national leaders is their future, children, safety and lives, among others, so they should be wise and firm in choosing what is right.
“Our intention is clean,” he stressed, taking pride of his and Robredo's "clean" track record.
Robredo and Pangilinan were also joined by their “Tropang Angat” senatorial slate namely Teddy Baguilat, Dick Gordon, Risa Hontiveros, Alex Lacson and Sonny Matula.
Senator Leila Delima sent a video message while former senator Antonio Trillanes was represented by former Magdalo Party-list Rep. Garry Alejano.
Former congressman Neri Colmenares, who is also running for senator, also spoke during the pre-program activity. He is supporting the candidacy of Robredo.
Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran was also present at the rally along with some Grupo Progreso bets for councilors.
Meanwhile, prior to the grand rally in Bacolod City, Robredo kicked off her provincewide sortie in San Carlos City where she was joined by Lacson and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza.
Robredo and Pangilinan then proceeded to St. Joseph Parish Church in Sagay City for a meeting with church officials there before attending the rally at the city’s government center.
During the rally joined by about 20,000 supporters, Robredo was publicly endorsed by Marañon, Escalante and Second District Rep. Leo Rafael Cueva.
Robredo also visited some localities in the south including Kabankalan City, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran and La Carlota City.