ILOILO City – The rise of the first congresswoman of this city becomes inevitable now that big Christian churches, Muslim organizations and other faiths have given their blessings to the leading congressional candidate Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda.
Baronda, who topped the newest survey done by the credible Random Access Consultants, Inc. (RACI), expressed gratitude to all churches, denominations and faiths for their support to her quest to be of service to the people of Iloilo City again.
“The people have spoken. Thousands and thousands have turned up in our caucuses, district rallies and the grand rally to support Cong. Jerry Treñas, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Councilor Love-Love Baronda and all candidates for councilor and myself. I thought that was enough. But here comes the support of Ang Dios Gugma, El Shaddai, Iglesia Ni Cristo and other churches and faiths including that of our Muslim friends. I shall forever be grateful to you all,” said Baronda, a former city councilor who worked as chief political officer of Sen. JV Ejercito for five years.
Baronda believes these religious denominations and faiths have seriously scrutinized her credentials, her track record, her plans and vision, and even her uprightness before deciding to throw their support behind her.
“I am sure they vetted us really deeply and their conscience and prayers have made them choose me. So I am glad. Very, very glad,” the 40-year-old mother said.
The anointment will further ensure her victory as these churches, faiths and organizations have thousands of members who always heed the counsel of their hierarchy.
Iglesia Ni Cristo has been supporting Baronda in her candidacies for councilor in 2004 and 2007, and for vice mayor in 2010. It has seven locales in the city.
Catholic lay organizations Ang Dios Gugma and El Shaddai also have thousands of members. Other Christian sects endorsed Baronda to their flock. The organization of Ilonggo Muslims, which has hundreds of members, has also earlier expressed support to Baronda.
“I think this proves that your servant, Jam-jam Baronda, is competent and deserving of the congressional post. These religious brothers and sisters of ours have seen the light behind my platform and vision to help make Iloilo City greater than what it is today,” Baronda said.
Baronda in earlier interviews said that apart from being raised by devout Catholic parents Dr. Urminico and Dr. Julie Baronda, her education helped her develop her desire to help the poor and be a public servant.
At De Paul College where she spent her basic education years, love for the poor was emphasized as St. Vincent De Paul is the patron of all works of charity. At the University of San Agustin where she finished her Accounting degree, the concept of “servant leadership” was also stressed out to the students.
The support she got from the religious sector essentially proves that the issues hurled against her by those who were paid to malign and destroy her reputation on social media and in the barangays are falsehoods and no more than malicious concoctions launched for political gains.
Baronda leads in the congressional race with 27.3 percent over the second placer. As revealed by the RACI survey done on April 27-28 among 600 voters using the multi-stage sampling methodology and face-to-face interviews, she commands 59.3 percent of the voters in Iloilo City, or an equivalent of 174,342 voters of the 294,000 registered voters.
Baronda is the official candidate of the National Unity Party (NUP) along with Treñas who is running for mayor, and Ganzon who is seeking reelection.
Her younger sister, Councilor Lady Julie Grace “Love-Love” Baronda, is also leading in the survey among councilor hopefuls with 59.7 percent, according to RACI. She, too, was endorsed by INC along with seven other Team Uswag candidates for councilor.
The other candidates for the 12-seat city legislature are: Councilor Jay Treñas, Councilor Ely Estante, Councilor Armand Parcon, Atty. Rommel Duron, Allan Zaldivar, Jojo Javellana, Bryant Zulueta, Reyland Hervias, Gibo Garcia, and Madonna Martin.
Baronda is running on the platform of “H.O.P.E.” which stands for initiatives on health, obra (work), peace and order, and education. She also wants to address traffic congestion, power and water issues, and housing concerns.
“I encourage everyone to pray for a peaceful and orderly elections on Monday, May 13. Please have a good rest on Sunday and then wake up early on Monday. Prepare your breakfast and go to your polling places early. Bring water and an umbrella. Fall in line orderly and get your ballot. Make sure you mark No. 2 for ‘Member, House of Representatives’ on your ballots, ‘Baronda, Jam-Jam (NUP)’. Thank very much to you all. This is our battle. My win is your win,” Baronda said./PN
