MANILA, Philippines — Similar to what had happened in Manila, Rizal and Laguna, residents came out of their homes and places of work to cheer and express full support for Manila Mayor Isko Moreno as the “Team Isko” motorcade made its way in the cities of Navotas and Malabon Friday afternoon.
Moreno was warmly welcomed by cheering supporters who jostled for position in the crowded streets, all trying to shake the hands of the 47-year-old Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer
Shouts of “Isko, Isko, Isko” and “yorme, yorme, yorme” reverberated wherever he went while residents try to capture that brief precious moment of having seen Moreno in person.
Residents waved handmade placards expressing their support. “Mayor Isko panalo ka na, huwag ka lang dadayain,” read one of the placards.
From 2 p.m. till late evening before 9 p.m., Navotas and Malabon residents of all ages and all walks of life showed their support, with many of them giving various food packets, water, soft drinks and other beverages, flowers, and even various religious items to the “Yorme ng Pilipinas.”
Parents raised their children for Moreno to touch their heads with the hope that the perseverance, hard work and success of the former “basurero” (garbage collector) who became Manila councilor, Manila vice mayor and now mayor will rub off on the children.
Ever with a soft heart for the elders, Moreno alighted several times to greet and utter some words of comfort and gratitude to the seniors on wheelchairs who waited patiently in front of their homes to see him.
The 47-year-old presidential candidate, along with his running mate Doc Willie Ong and Aksyon senatorial candidates Dr. Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc and Jopet Sison, were very happy and full of gratitude to the people of Navotas and Malabon.
As the motorcade made its way, Moreno would say: “Maraming salamat sa inyo” to the people who lined the route. He also posted his gratitude on his Facebook page immediately after the motorcade ended.
“Lubos ang aking kasiyahan sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap sa aming grupo. Nakakawala ng pagod ang inyong mga ngiti, hiyawan, pagkaway at flying kiss,” he said.
Moreno said it is this genuine show of support from the people that nourishes and sustains his resolve to act fast on implementing real solutions to ills of the country and its people.
“Laging malakas ang loob ko kasi makikita nyo naman yung init ng pagtanggap ng tao. On their own lumalabas sila, nagpapa-araw sila. Yung mga lolo at lola ko, mga senior citizens, kahit hirap sila physically, lumalabas sila. Yun ang nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa akin para tuluy tuloy na labanan itong mga suliraning nagpapahirap sa taong bayan,” said Moreno said in an interview in Navotas.
Moreno added that the people’s support is what keeps him unfazed despite the many challenges now facing his campaign.
“Bakit ako (madi-dismaya), ayan, yung tao na nagsasalita e. I think, eto, the thing speaks for itself. Kaya lumalakas ang loob ko dahil ang tao, yung silent majority, lumalabas ng bahay nila para lang masilayan tayo. Sa gitna ng araw, kahapon umulan pa, umambon, pero ang tao hindi nagpatalo o hindi nagpapigil na mabigyan man lamang tayo ng lakas ng loob na ‘Isko, eto kami. Kakamayan ka namin, lalabasin ka namin’,” he said.
“Sa akin ‘yun ang lakas ng loob na pinanghahawakan ko ngayon at syempre naniniwala ako, may Diyos naman,” Moreno said.
If elected president, Moreno said he will address the perennial problems of poverty, hunger, unemployment, inequality and social injustice in the country by focusing on providing the basic needs of the people – housing, education, health care and jobs through the efficient and prudent management of government resources. These form the main pillars of his 10-Point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda.