Sumilao farmers conclude Region 8 march for Robredo, head for Luzon

CATBALOGAN CITY, April 28 (PNA) -- Sumilao farmers from Bukidnon who are marching to drumbeat and call for support to the candidacy of Liberal Party vice presidential bet Leni Robredo are now moving toward Luzon after crossing Eastern Visayas.

Noland Peñas, spokesperson of the Sumilao farmers, said that they are pleased to meet farmers and members from the under privilege sectors in the region, exchange ideas with them and share experiences.

“We are here to tell the farmers in the region that there is a hope for us. We came here to tell them that Leni Robredo is the right person to vote for the vice-presidential post,” said Peñas.

On Wednesday, the group made their last stop in Calbayog City. Before Calbayog, the farmers visited Catbalogan where they held a candle light parade around the city center and a program at the Catbalogan City Plaza.

They also visited the Borongan City and towns of Hernani and Guiuan in Eastern Samar. In Leyte province, they made a stop in Ormoc City, Palo and McArthur towns.

“Response that we get from farmers to support Leni is positive. This we want to show that our strength is strong to support somebody who can help those who are under privileged,” Peñas added.

Even if vice presidential bet Sen. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. considers the region as his bailiwick, Peñas said they’re able to get support from residents of the region to promote Robredo’s candidacy. Marcos’ mother, former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos is a native of Leyte.

“Not all people in Eastern Visayas will actually vote for Marcos. That encouraged us to step up our campaign for Robredo in the region,” he added.

Liberal Party Youth Organization Samar President Francis Joseph Grey who welcomed the Sumilao farmers in Calbayog said that they are overwhelmed and honored to welcome the group to the city.

After their stop in Eastern Visayas, the group will continue their 23-day march-caravan to Metro Manila stopping in different provinces.

The group is aiming to finish their caravan by May 7 and head back to Bukidnon before election day. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR