Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Francsico “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at Kabasalan Gymnasium in Zamboanga Sibugay. Photo from Team Isko
MANILA, Philippines — Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Francsico “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has received a major boost in his campaign as several Moro volunteer groups and non-government organizations from the ZamBaSulTa (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) area endorsed his candidacy for president.
The groups backing Moreno included the ZamBaSulta Isko Kami headed by Engr. Michael Abubakar; United Sama Badjau Association Inc. (USBA) chaired by Panglima Adim Atti; and the Region IX and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) chapters of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC), a large volunteer group that propelled President Rodrigo Duterte to the presidency in 2016.
MRRD-NECC Region 9 chair Jerson Monteverde, who also sits as the regional chief of the Maharlika Royal Tribes 1-Nation, said the group also included the MRRD-NECC Women’s Sector chaired by Liza Ibra, who also sits as chair of the Las Brillas Mujeres Association, a large women’s advocacy group in Zamboanga City. Their collective endorsement was made after Moreno led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of theZamBaSulta Isko Kami headquarters in Zamboanga City.
“Kami po ay taos-pusong nanunumpa na ang aming full support, sa iyo Isko, Doc Willie (Ong) at sa iyong grupo. Kami ay nanunumpa na buong puso naming susuportahan ang kandidatura mo. Wala kaming ibang susuportahan,” Monteverde said to loud cheers from hundreds of officers and members of the various groups in attendance.
Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Francsico “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at Kabasalan Gymnasium in Zamboanga Sibugay. Photo from Team Isko
The 47-year-old incumbent mayor of Manila said he is overwhelmed by the show of support from such a large group, majority of which are Muslims who came from the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
“I am happy and honored to be here in Zamboanga. You went all the way, gumastos pa kayo. Naghanda pa kayo ng headquarters para sa amin. Kami ni Doc Willie, taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa hirap, sa pagod, gastos niyo, sa pagpupursige. Maraming-maraming salamat,” Moreno said.
Moreno said the composition of this present group of supporters only proves that Christians and Muslims can live together in peace and harmony if they commit themselves to a common goal.
“Talagang totoong pwedeng makapamuhay ang sinuman, Kristiyano, Muslim, puwedeng magkasama, pwedeng makapamuhay ng mapayapa,” he said.
Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Francsico “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at Kabasalan Gymnasium in Zamboanga Sibugay. Photo from Team Isko
Moreno said that for their wholehearted trust and support for him, he would work to make sure that peace and equality will reign all over Mindanao during his term – if he wins the presidency.
“Ngayon, bilang regalo ko sa inyo, sabihin ninyo na sa mga kaibigan niyong Kristiyano, sa mga kaibigan niyong Muslim, mga kakilala, mga kamag-anak. May awa ang Diyos, sa tulong ninyo, walang giyera sa Mindanao sa panahon ko. It’s a bold commitment, it’s hard to fulfill, but we must seek for peace. Peace creates prosperity. Peace creates panatag ang pamumuhay,” he said.
“At may awa ang Diyos, sa tulong ninyo, kayo na taga-Mindanao, taga-Visayas, taga-Luzon; mayaman, middle class, mahirap, ipararamdam ko s ainyo ang pagkakapantay-pantay ng tao,” said Moreno to loud and prolonged chanting of “Isko! Isko! Isko!”
Moreno then pledged to pursue a “Life and Livelihood” economic policy that aims to address poverty, hunger, unemployment, inequality, and social injustice through an inclusive and equitable infrastructure development program as spelled out under his 10-point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda.
To achieve this, he said, the first two years of an”‘Isko Moreno presidency” will focus on building facilities that will provide the minimum basic needs of the people – quality housing, education and health care, and creating jobs and livelihood opportunities.
Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Francsico “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at Kabasalan Gymnasium in Zamboanga Sibugay. Photo from Team Isko
Under his accelerated infrastructure program, infrastructure development will be focused on areas or provinces with a low human development index (HDI), particularly in Mindanao and the Visayas, to bring about more inclusive economic growth.
To further hasten human and economic growth, Moreno also vowed to strengthen physical, economic, and digital linkages among growth centers and the rural economies.
Additionally, Moreno said among the first economic policies that his government will introduce is to cut the excise tax of petroleum products by 50 percent to bring down the cost of food production, especially rice, raise the income of farmers and fisherfolk, bring down the prices basic commodities, and sustain food production.
Further, he assured that a Moreno administration will be a champion for peace and unity by promoting respect for the culture, religion, and livelihoods of minorities.
“Wala tayong dedisisyonan, wala akong magiging desisyon na makapapanakit ng damdamin, makakapaminsala ng buhay at makakaperhuwisyo ng kabuhayan,” he said.
“Let there be peace in the Philippines. let there be peace in 7,100 islands. We, together, will bring back the glorious days of our country. We, together, can bring back prosperity to every family in the country. patuloy ang laban ng ordinaryong pamilyang Pilipino. Kaya natin ito. Huwag kayong susuko, mananalo tayo,” Moreno said.
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