“WE HAVE proven that hope in everyone’s heart is alive when Negros Occidental showed that it is, indeed, pink.”
This was underscored by presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo following the success of the Pink People’s Rally at the Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod City on Friday, March 11, 2022.
Flooded by at least “70,000 strong” pink supporters from various localities in Negros Occidental, the province mustered the biggest crowd yet for a grand people's rally for Robredo and her team.
“The overwhelming support of the Negrenses brings hope. Many of us are now joining and believing that we can achieve a nation for #AngatBuhayLahat,” she said.
The lone woman presidential aspirant described the grand rally in the Negros Occidental capital city as a campaign like no other.
“Negrenses show us how they love unconditionally,” Robredo said, adding that “Ipinaramdam nyo po ito sa amin buong araw nang umikot po kami mula San Carlos, Sagay, Kabankalan, Himamaylan, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, La Carlota and Bacolod.”
As Robredo thanked them for their warm welcome, the vice president said she is proud of every Negrense for willingly joining the grand rally even at their own expense and amid the intermittent light rains.
“Hindi lang sa hindi kayo bayad, abonado pa kayo. Pasensya na po,” she 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.”
“Leni shines as our star of hope,” her supporters in the province exclaimed.
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 a more comprehensive sugar industry roadmap, including modernization and diversification, to be able to compete in the bigger markets.
Robredo also reiterated her support for the revival of Negros Island Region (NIR) given its huge potential that will benefit the Negrenses, assuring that they will also work for the realization of the Negros-Guimaras-Iloilo Bridge project to boost the region’s economy.
“Nasa inyo na po ang lahat na rekado -- ang sigla ng inyong turismo, ang husay at talento ng mga kabataan, kababaihan, at ng mga manggagawa sa iba’t ibang industriya; ang track record ninyo sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan; ang kahandaan ninyong makipagbayanihan. At kapag wala tayong ibang agenda kundi ang maabot ang potensyal ninyo, napakalayo ng mararating natin,” she said.
The vice president also vowed to support the effort to bring to every Negrense household the benefits of renewable energy (RE).
“We will ensure equal distribution of RE in every community.”
“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 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.
“Huwag po natin kalimutan ang kasaysayan. Sa halip, balikan natin ang mga aral na nagdala sa atin dito,” she told Negrense supporters.
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.
Her runningmate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said he is overwhelmed and elated by how the Negrenses embraced them.
Pangilinan 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 in 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 Representative 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.
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.
There, she urged local supporters to convince their family, relatives and friends who have not yet decided to join what they are believing and fighting for.
“Pero 'yung pagkumbinsi, hindi makikipag-away. Ang pagkumbinsi, radikal na pagmamahal. Kaya pa na magmahal ng radikal? Kaya kailangan 'yung radikal na pagmamahal, dahil pag nagaway-away po tayo, hindi natin makakamtan 'yung pagbabagong gusto natin makamtan,” she noted.
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 in Sagay joined by about 20,000 supporters, Robredo was publicly endorsed by Marañon, Escalante and Second District Rep. Leo Rafael Cueva.
“Papatunayan po natin sa lahat na ang kapangyarihan nasa kamay ng ordinaryong Negrense. Na kapag pinakita po natin ang ating pagmamahal sa bayan sa paraan ng pagboboto ng tama, mapapakita po natin sa kanila na ang kapangayarihan nasa atin. Kaya handa na ba tayo? Pag handa na tayo, magkikita po tayo sa susunod. Baka victory party na,” she told the attendees.
Robredo also visited some localities in the south including Kabankalan City, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran and La Carlota City where she was also welcomed by thousands of supporters.