Bacolod City—The overcast sky and off-and-on drizzle was no deterrence to the estimated 70,000 people waving pink stars, flaglets, and balloons who flooded the Paglaum stadium here in this capital of Negros Occidental.
The ebullience and joy emanating from the supporters were the same warm welcome given to Vice President Leni Robredo all over the province in the sweltering heat throughout the day, and all over the country over the last few weeks.
It was the same spirit, too, that filled the streets from the airport in Silay to Bacolod back in October, shortly after Robredo announced her candidacy for President.
Meanwhile, Robredo’s running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan, on Saturday said neutrality in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is damaging to overseas Filipino workers in particular and to the Philippines in general.
He said Philippine neutrality is out of the question as the United States and Europe have already imposed financial sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine.
Pangilinan said the Philippines cannot stay neutral on the issue of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also because the country may get the same treatment if China invades us.
In Bacolod, Robredo said that it was very apt that the people’s rally was held at the Paglaum sports stadium. Paglaum is Hiligaynon word for “hope”.
The sheer number of people who attended the people’s rally in Bacolod City could be an indication that Negros Occidental is likely going back Robredo again in the May 9 elections, after Negrenses gave her a huge win in the 2016 vice presidential elections where she received almost 600,000 votes.
This despite only a handful of local executives, like Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson have declared their support for Robredo.
With Lacson were former governor Lito Coscolluela, Negros Occidental District Rep. Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva, Sagay City Mayor Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III, Cadiz City Mayor Bading Escalante, former Mayor Patrick Escalante, Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and Himamaylan Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao.
Should she be elected President, Robredo promised help for farmers who find it difficult to move forward due to the high prices of farm equipment.
With her Sugar Industry Roadmap, Robredo pledged support to help the industry modernize and diversify so they can reach bigger markets.
She also reiterated her plan build the Negros-Guimaras-Iloilo bridge.
On renewable energy, Robredo said she would push distribution to all parts of the province.
Across the province all day long, Robredo was met by thousands of joyful, pink-clad supporters everywhere she went.
Robredo started her long day with a rally at the Bishop’s Compound in San Carlos City where she was endorsed by Governor Lacson.
Speaking in Hiligaynon, Lacson told supporters that Robredo is intelligent, sincere, helpful, and trustworthy. He said with a sincere government, everyone’s lives are uplifted.
Robredo then proceeded to rallies in Sagay City and Kabankalan, where she was warmly greeted with trademark Negrense hospitality.
In Barangay Caradio-an in Himamaylan, Vice President Leni Robredo spent time with beneficiaries of the eight of the OVP’s Community Learning Hubs in Himamaylan.
The hubs are part of Robredo’s COVID-19 response operations in the province, which also include the teacher training program of Bayanihan e-Skwela, PPEs, and medical supplies to 36 medical institutions, offices, and LGUs, and the vaccine express which vaccinated over 2,000 people.
Meanwhile, the Angat Buhay programs of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Negros Occidential include a feeding program in Hinobaan and livelihood subsidies for groups in Hinobaan, Murcia, and Sipalay; the building of classroom buildings, solar kits, and solar-powered electric fans to help public education, as well as subsidies for groups involved in rural development and women empowerment.
After more rallies in Binalbagan City and La Carlota and a whistletop in Hinigaran, where she was joined by her daughters, Aika and Tricia, Robredo finally made it to Paglaum sports stadium in Bacolod City.
The people were entertained by a slew of celebrities including Edu Manzano, Joel Torre, Ronnie Lazaro, Agot Isidro, Ogie Diaz, Mama Loi, Dyosa Pockoh, DJ Joey and Nikki Valdez. Kuh Ledesma, The Company, Kyla, Gab Valenciano, Janina Vela, Tippi dos Santos, Kay Leni Tayo Singers, Curtismith, Gracenote, Mayonnaise, and Rivermaya also performed.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Pangilinan’s wife, introduced the vice-presidential candidate. The audience joined her in singing the classic OPM song, “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko.” With Joel Zurbano