The following is a news release from the Bacolod City Public Information Office. We print it in full:
The Libertad Market Vendors Association and the Amelia Vendors Association re-affirmed their support to the re-election bids over the weekend of Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran as well as other Grupo Progreso aspirants.
The LIMVA, headed by Efren Magallos with 200 members, and the 500-strong AMVA of
Romer Real, reiterated their support to Leonardia, who was at the Libertad Market for an ocular inspection of the ongoing P58 million project that is up for completion by July or August 2022.
“We are in support of Mayor Bing eversince because of his love and deep concern for the vendors. He saw to it that we are able to continue with our livelihood even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. And look, Libertad is currently being improved. That is the reason why we are rooting for Grupo Progreso,” Real said.
LIMVA member Jasmin Arroz, said she, too, remains committed to Leonardia.
“The mayor has given many projects for Bacolod vendors. He always gives solution to our concerns,” Arroz added
An emotional Letecia Torilla Palacios, now 84, said she cannot hide her tears and admiration for the mayor, recalling that Leonardia always extends a helping hand for small vendors like her.
Palacios, whose parents are original Libertad vendors, has been a market vendor for 50 years.
“I’ve been a vendor more than half my life. I know Mayor Bing well and how he shows his concern for us. We know his family and my parents also know the mayor’s parents,” Palacios continued.
“We are solid Mayor Bing supporters eversince,” butted in 55-year-old rice trader Jose Norton P. Grecia.
