Vice-presidential aspirant Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan. (PNA file photo)
SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija – A group of farmers under the Nueva Ecija Kalasag Farmers' Cooperatives on Monday endorsed vice-presidential aspirant Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan by raising his hands during a rally held at the San Jose City public market.
Kalasag member Wencelito Gomez, 51, recalled the assistance and support the cooperative received from Pangilinan more than 10 years ago.
"Kaya nandito kami para suportahan si (That is why we are here to support) Sen. Pangilinan," Gomez told the 2,000-strong crowd.
Gomez spoke on behalf of the 11-member Kalasag delegation, which was met on stage by Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, who later introduced them.
The Kalasag farmers raising Pangilinan's hands was reminiscent of the April 9 grand rally in Pampanga, where farmers from San Simon town declared their support by also raising his hands.
The emotional gesture by farmers from San Nicolas, San Simon, Pampanga was a rebuke to the move of several traditional politicians and political operators to break the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Pangilinan, and push for another vice presidential bet.
Pangilinan thanked the Kalasag farmers and those who attended the rally, saying : "Tayo po 'pag pinalad, uunahin natin ang agrikultura sa San Jose City (If I get fortunate enough to win, I will prioritize the agriculture sector in San Jose City)."
Pangilinan said he has been cooperating with the Kalasag farmers since 2011.
The cooperation of Kalasag, his office, local government units, the private sector, and national government units have resulted in an increase in crop yield totaling 500 tons of onions in 2015.
"Pag nabigyan po tayo ng pagkakataon, gagawin po natin iyan sa iba pang farmers cooperatives. Dadami ang ani. Dadami ang huli (If given the chance, we will do the same for other farmers' cooperatives. Their harvest and catch will grow.)," he said. (PR)
