The following is a news release from the Grupo Progreso party dated 26 March 3022.
We print it in full.
The ruling political aggrupation Grupo Progreso led by re-electionist Mayor Evelio Leonardia kicked off its campaign with a record-breaking feat as its caravan stretching more than 7 kms snaked through main thoroughfares and ended at the Pope John Paul II Tower after four hours.
“This has never happened before. The people who support Grupo Progreso are phenomenal. They patiently waited for our motorcade to pass through their barangays,” an upbeat Leonardia, said.
Leonardia, the current National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, is seeking his third and final term in the May 9 polls.
His vice mayor, re-electionist El Cid Familiaran and congressional candidate and businessman Dan Atayde also expressed their elation for the overwhelming crowd who, despite the heat, waited for them to pass through.
“It was the first time in my political career that I’ve seen this many people who came out to supported us,” added Familiaran.
As part of their tradition, the GP heard a Holy Mass at the Lupit Church prior to the caravan where celebrant Fr. Jerryvel Celestial, chaplain of the University of St. La Salle, reminded them to put God first at the center of government service.
“You are called to be ‘Doulus’, or servant leaders to the community,” Celestial. said.
Also in attendance were incumbent Councilors Cindy Tan-Rojas, Archie Baribar, Renecito Novero, Israel Salanga, Carl Lopez and Dindo Ramos.
Come-backing Councilor and former City Administrator Em Legaspi-Ang, businessman Ed Guillem, former Barangay Captain Jonathan Diaz, veteran broadcaster Marlon Solidum, IT professional Cashmere Montalvo and Dr. Chris Sorongon, EOC-TF deputy director, complete the Grupo Progreso slate for the City Council.
