ILOILO City – Former Vice President Leni Robredo returned to Iloilo yesterday to thank Ilonggo supporters who rallied behind her during the May elections.
“Talagang sobrang salamat. I know that the election was very difficult. From the start of the campaign we already knew that,” said Robredo who is now focused on the Angat Buhay nonprofit organization (under the registered name Angat Pinas Inc.), a spinoff of her successful Angat Buhay program as Vice President.
Robredo lost to now President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. but she defeated him in the presidential race in Iloilo city and province.
“Iloilo has shown na talagang pag kayo nag-decision, talagang you will fight for what you think is right,” said Robredo.
Accompanied by Ilongga philanthropist and businesswoman Teresa “Nene” Chan, Robredo visited Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. at the Iloilo provincial capitol and Mayor Jerry Treñas at the Iloilo City Hall.
The two local chief executives were vocal supporters of the former vice president
“Kahit mahirap lumalaban talaga kayo and I really appreciate it,” said Robredo.
She also thanked volunteer groups that campaigned for her and reminded them that notwithstanding the election results, there are still a lot of good things to do.
“Huwag nating isipin na tapos na ‘yung ating ipinaglaban during the elections kasi whether nanalo or natalo tayo, ang dami nating pwedeng gawin,” said Robredo, via the volunteerism-driven Angat Buhay.
She launched Angat Buhay on July 1, a day after she stepped down as vice president.
“Kasi ngayon parang limitless na ‘yung opportunities to partner. I am excited for what is to come. Sa tingin ko maraming-marami pwedeng gawin dito sa Iloilo,” said Robredo.
During the launching, Robredo told supporters: “Hindi dapat masayang ‘yung magandang nasimulan natin. Hindi man tayo nagwagi, nagtagumpay pa rin tayo. We really started something very, very special during the campaign.”
Angat Buhay programs will focus on three main areas: health, education, and disaster response, to address the country’s most urgent problems.
Today, Robredo has scheduled meetings with different groups which support Angat Buhay.
She is also gracing a testimonial dinner for her Liberal Party party-mate, former Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon./PN
