PDP-Laban to gather its allies in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) is set to consolidate forces in Cebu by conducting the Basic Membership Seminar on Friday in Cebu City.

This was revealed by Dr. Marlo Maamo, the newly-inducted member of PDP-Laban in Cebu City, who is vying for the congressional seat in the north district.

Speakers from PDP-Laban national headquarters are set to arrive in Cebu to conduct the seminar as a requirement for party affiliation of its leaders and advocates up to the barangay level. During the oath-taking of Maamo a few weeks ago, PDP-Laban president and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III emphasized the need for their leaders to undergo such BMS in order to learn the principle the party is standing for.

“I find it best to educate our supporters and leaders the importance of identity,” Maamo said.

Maamo emphasized that leaders are not only supporting the candidates of PDP-Laban but they should also understand the principles and adherence of the party as a whole.

“That way, we encourage them to become leaders and advocates of political change,” he said.

Maamo said that in the north district, he is expecting to draw at least 200 participants comprising of barangay leaders and officials, professionals, youth, senior citizens, women and urban poor leaders. 

After his oath-taking before Pimentel, Maamo was endorsed by the Urban Poor Solidarity Federation (UPSFED), the biggest urban poor umbrella organization in Cebu City consisting of 200 urban poor organizations, to run for Congress.

Maamo is a former mayor of Liloan, Southern Leyte but he was born in Cebu City. He also finished his degrees here.

Maamo will be facing former Rep. Raul del Mar, the father of incumbent Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar in the Cebu City north congressional district next elections.

Among his priorities if will win is the improvement in the delivery of health services in the district.

Unlike the Del Mars, flyovers are not his priority.

He is eyeing to establish government hospitals in Talamban, Lahug and the Pier area. Maamo said that the health card program of the Del Mars are just being used for politics and not the solution to the health needs of the people.

Maamo said that the health sector is seemed to be neglected in Cebu City citing the overcrowded Cebu City Medical Center.  (FREEMAN)