Thousands of Bacolodnons are expected to join the miting de avances of the two major political parties in Bacolod City on Saturday, May 7, the last day of the campaign period before the May 9 polls.
Grupo Progreso led by Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia will hold its miting de avance at the Bacolod Reclamation Area beside the Pope John Paul II Tower at 5:30 p.m., while Asenso Bacolod is staging its grand rally at the Paglaum Sports Complex at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The Grupo Progreso miting de avance will be preceded by a 3 p.m. mass to be officiated by Fr. Jerryvel Celestial at the San Sebastian Cathedral.
Leonardia will be joined by congressional aspirant Dan Atayde, his runningmate and re-electionist Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and candidates for councilor Em Ang, Archie Baribar, Jonathan Diaz, Ed Guillem, Carl Lopez, Cashmere Montalvo, Renecito Novero, Dindo Ramos, Cindy Rojas, Israel Salanga, Marlon Solidum and Dr. Chris Sorongon.
Benitez will be joined by re-electionist Rep. Greg Gasataya, his runningmate Caesar Distrito and candidates for councilor Homer Bais, Simple Distrito, Al Espino, Celia Flor, Vladi Gonzales, Patrick Lascon, Bart Orola, Kalaw Puentevella, Thaddy Sayson, Pao Sy, Sonya Verdeflor and Jason Villarosa.
Their grand rally dubbed “Fiesta sang Pag bag-o”, which will focus on a celebration for change, will also feature the Parokya ni Edgar band, Joseph Marco and Alex Gonzaga.
Leonardia will center his speech on economic recovery with focus on job generation and the establishment of new growth centers, health, education and social services centering on primary healthcare services in the barangays, financial assistance and low-cost and free housing for indigents and, informal settlers, the Smart City framework for more effective governance by digitalizing permits, licenses and payment processes.
Familiaran will tackle the many challenges he had encountered during the campaign period, including the test on his character, loyalty to Leonardia and sincerity to Grupo Progreso.
Benitez will focus on the need for change with focus on good governance, better access to basic and health services, housing and Bacolod’s economic recovery, and will thank Bacolodnons for their overwhelming show of support.*