By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Senatorial candidates of the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas took center stage during the kickoff rally of the Team Uswag slate in Iloilo City, aiming to court the city’s more than 360,000 voters.
Senate bets Imee Marcos, Camille Villar and Bong Revilla joined the rally on Friday, March 28.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has earlier declared his support for the senatorial candidates of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
According to city officials, the rally drew an estimated 40,000 supporters, mostly from the City Proper, La Paz, Lapuz and Molo districts.
Team Uswag’s standard bearer, Raisa Treñas-Chu, reflected on the challenges brought by the pandemic in her campaign speech.
She highlighted the resilience and kindness of the Ilonggos, which inspired her to continue her father’s legacy.
“I am my father’s daughter—decided, forward-thinking, sometimes hardheaded, but always determined,” she said.
Under her leadership, Raisa envisions a modern, progressive and multi-awarded Iloilo City, a legacy she said began with her father.
Her campaign focused on three key areas: livelihood support, free college education and accessible healthcare.
Raisa vowed to prioritize family welfare by providing capital assistance for small businesses and conducting skills training to promote sustainable livelihoods.
She committed to expanding Iloilo City College campuses in City Proper and the Jaro district, alongside increasing scholarship opportunities.
She also promised accessible healthcare by establishing mega health centers that would offer free medical, dental, laboratory and check-up services.
“My dream is to continue the progress of our city by strengthening every Ilonggo family,” she said.
