Aspiring vice president Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, together with his family and farmers from San Simon, Pampanga, welcomed the arrival of farmers from Sumilao, Bukidnon in Baclaran on Thursday, April 28—a symbolic merging of support from farmers from both ends of the country.
Pangilinan, his family, and the San Simon farmers met with the Sumilao farmers, who marched from Bukidnon to Manila to campaign for the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem, at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran.
It was a symbolic meeting that merged farmers from the northern and southern parts of the Philippines to jointly rally behind Pangilinan and Vice President Leni Robredo, a presidential aspirant.
The meet and walk with the farmers also became an instant family affair for the Pangilinans as the senator was joined by members of his family --- wife Sharon Cuneta; their children Frankie, Miel, and Miguel, brother Anthony, and nephew Donny --- at the event which took place on the same day of his and wife's 26th wedding anniversary.
The meet and walk with Sumilao and San Simon farmers in Baclaran also became a family event for the Pangilinans as the children of Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and Megastar Sharon Cuneta, —Frankie, Miel, Miguel; nephew Donny, and his father, Anthony, were in attendance. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/Gfqnoccy1l
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) April 28, 2022
During the "salubong" (reception), Pangilinan renewed his commitment to advance the interest and wellbeing of farmers if he wins on May 9.
Against the background music of “Rosas” and the pealing of church bells, the farmers walked from the church gate with Pangilinan and his family to the front of the church. Midway, children offered the farmers roses.
Fr. Teodulo Holgado, who stood by the steps of the of the Redemptorist Church, announced, “Narito na. Salubungin natin ang ating mga kapatid na magsasaka, kasama ang ating kapatid na Kiko Pangilinan at Miss Sharon Cuneta (They are here. Let's welcome our farmer brothers and sisters and our brother Kiko Pangilinan and Miss Sharon Cuneta).”
Fr. Holgado said this celebration shows how the marginalized are valued in the Robredo-Pangilinan electoral campaign. After blessing the farmers, Fr. Holgado proceeded to bless Pangilinan and Cuneta for their wedding anniversary.
“Sa ating mga magsasaka, kayo ang dahilan ng aking pagtakbo...Hindi kayo binibigyan ng karampatang respeto. Bakit sila ang nagpapakain sa atin, sila naman ang kapos, di mabigyan ng masustansyang pagkain ang sariling pamilya? Baguhin natin ito (To our farmers, you are the reason behind my candidacy...You are not given the respect you deserve. Why is it that the people who feed us are the ones who earn measly, who can't give their own family nutritious food? Let's change this),” Pangilinan said.
“Buong puso at tapang na ipaglalaban ko ang inyong hanay, pakikinggan ang inyong daing...Mahal namin kayo . Tuloy-tuloy na. Ipanalo na natin ito (I will fight for you with all my heart, listen to your concerns...We love you. Let's carry on. Let's win this),” the aspiring vice president added.
The farmers from San Simon, Pampanga belong to the same group of farmers who raised Pangilinan's hands during the April 9 grand rally in Pampanga. Since then, ordinary Filipinos from various sectors have come forward to endorse Pangilinan for the vice presidency.