KAPAMPANGAN supporters of presidential bet Vice President Leni Robredo and runningmate Senator Kiko Pangilinan hit another first as their grand rally in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga on Saturday, April 10, 2022, drew the biggest crowd yet among their previous rallies held in different parts of the country.
According to local rescue team, police and organizers, an estimate of 220,000 supporters joined the said rally, surpassing the 130,000-crowd recorded during the rally in Pasig City.
Aside from the biggest crowd, the Manalakaran: Pampanga People’s Rally also had the biggest stage and technical booth set-up, highest number of artists, and the first time that the three most anticipated Pampanga festivals — Sinukwan, Giant Lantern and Sisig — were celebrated together.
Prior to the grand rally held at the Robinsons Starmills open ground in this capital city, Robredo also paid a courtesy call to Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda at the provincial capitol, made a quick visit at the residence of Laus family headed by matriarch Tess where she also met local clergies and nuns who endorsed her presidential bid, and held mini rally in Angeles City.
In her speech, Robredo expressed gratitude to the supporters who gathered and patiently waited for her and the whole Tropang Angat slate until past 10 p.m.
Supporters started arriving at the venue as early as 6 a.m. despite the announced program schedule which starts at 2 p.m.
“Ngayong Araw ng Kagitingan, ipinakita ninyo na talagang matatapang ang mga Cabalen! Maraming salamat sa pagtindig, Pampanga,” Robredo said.
Robredo has been crediting some of Pampanga's leaders, particularly Mayor Edwin Santiago, Councilor Reden Halili and former Governor Among Ed Panlilio, as those who eagerly encouraged her to run for the presidency in the coming polls.
Santiago, who is the lone local official to raise the hands of Robredo, Pangilinan and their senatorial slate onstage, stressed the consistency of Robredo in downloading programs in this capital city for the benefit of Fernandinos and the whole of Kapampangans.
“Bago at kasalukuyan ng pandemya, sa kahit anong sakuna, hindi tayo kinalimutan at pinabayaan ni VP Leni. Mula sa bakuna, PPE (personal protective equipment), health assistance and marami pang iba, ibinigay ni VP Leni para sa San Fernando. Tumindig siya para sa atin kaya tayo ngayon ay tumitindig para sa kanya,” he said.