Aspiring vice president Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan continues to get endorsement from ordinary Filipinos as he gained yet another declaration of support from a farmer's group, this time in Nueva Ecija.
A group of farmers under the Nueva Ecija Kalasag Farmers' Cooperatives on Monday, April 25, endorsed Pangilinan by raising his hands during a rally held at San Jose City public market.
This came after two separate endorsements by security guards in Cavite and community leaders, including laborers, in Quezon City happened on Sunday, April 24.
Kalasag member Wencelito Gomez, 51, bared that the senator helped their cooperative more than 10 years ago.
"Kaya nandito kami para suportahan si Sen. Pangilinan (That is why we are here to support Sen. Pangilinan," Gomez said before the 2,000-strong crowd at the rally. He was speaking on behalf of the 11-member Kalasag delegation which was met by Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan on stage and later introduced them.
Kalasag farmers raising Pangilinan's hands, signifying their support to his candidacy, was reminiscent of the April 9 grand rally in Pampanga, where farmers from San Simon town declared their support by also raising his hands.
Pangilinan thanked the Kalasag farmers and those who attended the rally and committed to prioritize them if elected. Pangilinan said he has been cooperating with the Kalasag farmers since 2011.
"Bilang isa sa mga champions ng agrikultura nabigyan sila ng tulong at suporta (As one of the champions of agriculture, they were given assistance and support)," the aspiring vice president said
"'Pag nabigyan po tayo ng pagkakataon, gagawin po natin iyan sa iba pang farmers' cooperatives. Dadami ang ani. Dadami ang huli (If we will be given a chance, we will do that in other farmers' cooperatives. Harvest will increase. Catch will increase)," he added.