2nd day in Cebu: Roxas courts more LGUs

CEBU, Philippines - Liberal Party presidential candidate Mar Roxas had a full schedule yesterday in vote-rich Cebu, with activities in the northern and southern parts of the province.

On his second day in Cebu, the former Department of Interior and Local Government secretary started by inaugurating the Polambato Port in Bogo City, which is expected to ease travel time to Masbate and Leyte Provinces.

At 1 p.m., Roxas travelled to the other part of Cebu to meet officials of 20 allied southern towns and cities.

Roxas said his visit to Boljoon town was not a loyalty check but a simple meeting with local officials.

He said he was grateful that all of the mayors and officials of Cebu Province were there to meet him. The meeting at the tourist-laden Boljoon town lasted for over an hour.

“Namimyesta tayo dito. Ang mayors ay kusang pumunta dito upang salubongin tayo. Natutuwa ako na ang mga mayors ng first second, third, fifth district, at ang kakabuo pa lang na 7th district ay nandito upang bigyan ako ng mainit na pagsalubong at pagtanggap,” said Roxas.

Roxas held the meeting at a beach resort owned by Mayor Merlou Derama. He was also joined by Governor Hilario Davide, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and Second District Representative Wilfredo Caminero.

In his speech during the meeting, Roxas told the officials that he will continue to improve the current programs of the Aquino administration like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which he described as an effort that has improved the lives of many Filipinos, including the ones in Boljoon.

After the meeting, Roxas was welcomed by thousands of Lapu-Lapu City residents who gathered at the Hoopsdome in Barangay Gun-ob.

Aside from the residents, Roxas was also welcomed by candidates of the Deretso Team, led by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, together with her daughter, lone-district Representative Aileen Radaza, and their city councilors and City Hall officials.

In Roxas’ speech, he again highlighted the 4Ps program and assured that he will continue the efforts of the current administration to alleviate poverty.

“Dedepensahan natin ang Daang Matuwid, at ang Pantawid Program,” Roxas said.

“Pantay-pantay, tinutulungan ang lahat, walang pinipili... sa Daang Matuwid, hindi tinitingnan ang politiko kundi tinitingnan ang pamilyang Pilipino,” said Roxas to the Oponganons.

Roxas asked city residents to vote for the Liberal Party candidates, especially his vice-presidential candidate, incumbent Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo, who visited Lapu-Lapu City last week.  — Dale Israel and Christell Fatima M. Tudtud/ATO (FREEMAN)