Vice President Leni Robredo (Photo by Charlie Villegas / OVP)
NAGA CITY, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo is scheduled to officially start her campaign campaign for the presidency in Camarines Sur, which she said is as an expression of gratitude to the people of her home province and to seek good luck.
Robredo said that kicking off her campaign in Camarines Sur makes sense as the province has been her safe place and refuge during times of difficulties and challenges.
“Sa mga Bikolano lagi akong nagpapasalamat kasi— ako dito ako pinanganak, dito ako lumaki, dito ako nag-asawa. ‘Yung mga anak ko lahat dito pinanganak. ‘Yung mga anak ko dito nag-aral, pumunta ng Maynila ‘yung dalawa for college and si Jillian lumipat noong high school, pero dito talaga kami,” she said on Sunday.
(I am always thankful to Bicolanos. I was born and raised here, got married here. All my children were born here and attended school here. Two of them moved to Manila for college, the youngest mover to Manila for her high school studies.)
“So, sa akin, laging kahit anong kaguluhan na pinagdadaanan ko, ‘pag nandito ako, nakakalimutan ko ‘yun lahat dahil ano ako, among people who love me the most. Kaya ako nagpapasalamat sa kanila. Iniimbitahan ko din sila sa kick-off. Magkakaroon tayo ng motorcade all over Camarines Sur sa February 8,” she added.
(During challenging times,when I’m here, I feel relieved because I am with the people who love me most. I am always thnakful. They are all invited to the kick0off stage of the official campaign. We will have a motorcade all over Camarines Sur of February 8.)
Robredo’s tentative schedule shows that she will be doing a tour of Camarines Sur towns on Tuesday, February 8, which is the official start of the campaign season for national candidates.
Among the towns listed are Libmanan, Calabanga, and Goa.
The tour will culminate in a proclamation rally by afternoon, at around 5:00 p.m. in Naga City — the provincial capital and the city which her late husband, former Interior secretary Jesse Robredo served as mayor for several terms.
Robredo is expected to be joined by members of her senatorial slate for the 2022 national elections.
On Wednesday, she will continue her Bicol region tour in other parts of Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon.
While there would be motorcades to kick off her campaign, Robredo said that they are encouraging people to participate in the stationary motorcade instead, and wait for her and her slate in areas where the caravan would pass through — so that people can save fuel.
“Dini-discourage namin na sumama pa sa motorcade para hindi na magbuhol-buhol. Ine-encourage na lang namin na stationary na lang, pero lahat ng gustong sumama sa motorcade, welcome,” Robredo said.
(We encourage supporters to join the stationary motorcade to save on fuel costs and prevent traffic congestion.)
“Pero ine-encourage namin na kung kami ang masusunod, better sa amin na maghintay na lang sila kung saan ‘yung mga dadaanan para una, tipid sa gasolina, pangalawa, hindi masyadong traffic. Pero susubukan po naming ma-ikot ‘yung buo,” she added.
Robredo is likewise expected to be present at several events on Monday, February 7, including the 81st alumni homecoming of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel, where she attended her primary and secondary education.
A mural from USI’s Central Student Government, to show support for their alumna’s presidential bid, will also be unveiled during the event.
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