Bro. Kenneth Martinez, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Sonia Marañon Sarrosa, former Gov. Rafael Coscolluela and Bro. Irwin Climaco (l-r) at the People’s Watch Party at the USLS oval Saturday night, April 23 
Artist Charlie Co and Millie Kilayko of Laban Leni Negros Occidental blow out the candles on the Leni Robredo birthday cake and the re-lighting of the Paglaum Star of Hope at the Bacolod Art District Saturday night, April 23.*
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on Negrenses on Saturday, April 23, to fight for the victory of Vice President Leni Robredo who is “the best president to lead our country”.
Lacson issued the call to more than 3,000 Negrenses, many of whom were students, who gathered at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) oval in Bacolod City on Saturday, April 23, to watch the campaign rally of Robredo at Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.
The Pasay City rally, which coincided with the 57th birthday of Robredo, drew a crowd of 412,000, organizers said.
The Watch Party in Bacolod was also joined by former Gov. Rafael Coscolluela, and USLS president Kenneth Martinez.
“As we are on the last stretch of this crucial presidential election campaign, let us revisit our reasons why we are all here this afternoon, and let us once again, commit that in this last two minutes, we are, to the best of our abilities, going to fight and stand behind the person who we believe to be the best president to lead our country in the next six years. Let Leni lead,” Lacson told the crowd.
Lacson said he has been in public service for more than 30 years, “but I have never known a candidate inspire volunteerism as much as Leni Robredo”.
“The political climate today may be harsh and confusing, with all the allegations and controversies being thrown at each other by opposing political groups. Yet this is also the best time, amid all the propaganda, to stand our ground,” Lacson said.
For an honest government that will work to uplift the lives of all, let us make Robredo win, he said.
“Today, we embrace the color pink symbolizing servant leadership, love for country, transparency and accountability in service to our people, love for the poor and inclusive prosperity,” Martinez said.
“We embrace the leaders who will transform and renew politics and give the power back to our people who now seek hope in VP Leni and Senator Kiko (Pangilinan) to make this path in the 2022 national elections. Together we will work to make this happen,” he added.
Coscolluela warned those present of the election dirty tricks being carried out by Robredo opponents and stressed the need to protect the votes.
“Leni will lead the path towards a new kind of politics and governance but we have to be part of it,” Coscolluela said.
A birthday party for Robredo was also held at the Bacolod Art District in Barangay Mandalagan Saturday night.
Artist Charlie Co and Millie Kilayko of Laban Leni Negros Occidental led the blowing out of the candles on Robredo’s birthday cake and the re-lighting of the Paglaum Star of Hope at the Bacolod Art District.
Pink cupcakes with candles on them were distributed so those present could join in the blowing out of the candles on the cake.
Hundreds of children and adults also lined up for pink cotton candy and ice cream in a festive atmosphere where some people danced to Robredo campaign songs in the middle of the crowd.
The 20-feet Paglaum Star of Hope made by the Negrense Artists for Leni signifies their unity in support of Robredo’s bid for the presidency, Co said.
The artwork was originally installed at the Paglaum Sports Complex for the Paglaum Negros Occidental People’s Rally of Robredo and her team.
“Paglaum”, a Hiligaynon word, means hope, Co pointed out.
“In the current political state of our country, deception and theatrics have been the common play of candidates. But one stood for truth, a maternal figure, a public servant, a Ray of Hope,” the artists’ said in their statement of support for Robredo.
Robredo supporters also attended a birthday mass for her at the Carmelite Monastery in Bacolod City on Saturday.*
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