It was a “coming-out party” of sorts, probably the biggest shot in the arm not only for Grupo Progreso (GP) campaign but more importantly for the bid of congressional aspirant and political newbie Dan “Aksyon” Atayde, a press release from GP said.
Support for the GP tandem of Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, their councilors and Atayde, an independent, continues to snowball as more barangay captains openly endorsed their candidacies ahead of the start of the campaign period for the May 9 polls.
It was more of a “coming-out party” for the eight at the Acacia Hotel Wednesday night as they vowed support publicly for the first time to Team “ABEL” coined by supporters late last year.
Team “ABEL” stands for the Atayde, Bing and El Cid triumvirate.
Leonardia and Familiaran thanked the barangay captains for their declaration of support, calling it a surprise gift for the New Year and the Three Kings.
Atayde, a businessman and political neophyte, expressed his gratitude that his bid got a very big boost from eight more vote-rich villages that account for close to 100,000 votes, including that of Taculing, whose barangay chief, concurrent ABC president and Councilor Lady Gles Pallen, was also present.
The numbers exclude the votes of two batches of villages that early on expressed support to “ABEL” last year.
Leonardia, however, pushed his position further.
He called for a 15-0 win for GP with 50 days to go before the official campaign period.
The mayor championed for continuity, pointing out that amidst the difficulties of the last two years, his administration managed to strike a balance at ensuring that the health and well-being of constituents are being prioritized via the delivery of basic services while, at the same time, keeping a dynamic business climate in the face of the global economic slowdown due to the pandemic.
‘SUPER EIGHT’
Village heads present at the “coming-out party” were Ricardo Danoy of Handumanan; Rudy Baydo, Barangay 6; Rodolfo Pico, Mansilingan; Jojo Ortillo, Barangay 25; Cesar Rellos, Barangay 1; Didje Tanista, Alangilan; Lito Abaring, Bata, and Jerry Tingson, Estefania.
More are expected to openly declare soon, Leonardia and Pallen said, but did not give details.
The group was actually the third wave of barangay captains that openly declared support for Atayde and the GP slate, Leonardia added.
Before this new set of vote-rich areas now supporting the Grupo Progreso aspirants, the village chiefs of Barangays 38 (Giner Agpalo), 33 (John Malayang), 21 (Felipe Rife), 37 (Adrian Garrucho) and 39 (Jude Salusada) with between 6,000 to 7,000 voters combined, had already announced they too are rooting for Team “ABEL” and the GP, Pallen said.
FROM ZERO TO 38
Leonardia, who formed the GP in 2007, cannot hide his elation of the growing support for Atayde’s candidacy for Bacolod’s Lone District.
In an interview at the sidelines of the event Wednesday night, the mayor said the wind is going on Atayde’s side.
This is very good politically for Atayde. This is something for political analysts to think about seriously, he said.
“Dan Atayde started with zero (barangay captain) to 20, then 30. Now, he has eight more,” Leonardia said, adding that he is happy with the quality of barangay captains coming out to strengthen their bids.
This is already snowballing of support, a turning point. I would like to congratulate Dan Atayde as he continues to strengthen his position against his rival, he added.
What he saw tonight, Leonardia said, was inspiring.
“It was the same spirit that made Grupo Progreso win in past elections. Today, we saw the same intensity, the same quality,” the mayor emphasized.
He added: “It will not stop here. That is why, we call it snowballing (of support).
ATAYDE SPEAKS
“I thank the barangay captains who came to support me. This is an important day for my candidacy,” replied Atayde when pressed for the significance of the event for his run for Congress.
Asked how Team “ABEL” came about, the businessman gave a hearty laugh, saying it was an acronym coined by his supporters just last December.
He said he is very glad to have been considered by Leonardia’s GP, adding that he needs all the support especially of the Bacolodnons.
He called on the people to stay united and work together for Bacolod’s continued progress.
Atayde also said he strongly believes in the leadership of Leonardia and Familiaran and in Grupo Progreso and hopes to work with them towards achieving more economic progress.
Once elected, Atayde said he will prioritize the bill establishing an industrial port zone under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to pave the way for more investments and job opportunities for the people.
He also reminded the people of Bacolod to keep safe always as the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over.*
