ILOILO City – Promising real Ilonggo representation, Uswag Ilonggo takes pride in being the first regional political party in Western Visayas enjoying the support of local government units (LGUs).
As the elections draw near, more sectors from the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental are giving their endorsements.
“Nakita ko ang handum it tagsa ka mga mangungoma. Indi gid mag-uswag ang panguma kon wara ti infrastraktura, labi na gid sa ikaayong lawas nga anda nga plataporma kay nabatian man namon kag isa ako sa nakasaksi. Amo ra dapat gid naton buligan para may boses sa Kongreso,” said Edgardo Eñeban, president of the Ibajay Farmers Association.
Uswag Ilonggo is a multi-sectoral representation which prioritizes progress and the welfare of every Ilonggo family via its five-point agenda.
These major thrusts include the well-being of every Ilonggo family; proper healthcare for the poor; consistent programs on infrastructure and tourism; agriculture and fisheries; and education especially more scholarships for the youth.
“Nagapati ako nga bisan lain-lain ang aton panan-awan sa politika, malab-ot naton ang aton mga handum sa pagbangon kag kauswagan kun kita nagabinuligay kag nagahugpong bilang isa ka banwa, probinsya uko rehiyon,” said Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Uswag Ilonggo chairman.
With barely two weeks before the election, Ilonggos are enthusiastic to vote for their very first regional party-list. A survey of Random Access Consultants, Inc. from April 22 to 23 in Iloilo City showed Uswag Ilonggo as the top preference of voters for party-list with a rating of 44.7 percent – or four in 10 likely voters preferred it.
ACT-CIS party-list came in second with 3.7 percent, followed by AAMBIS-Owa with 1.5 percent. UMA Ilonggo, Angkla 1.0 and Ang Probinsyano share 1.0 percent each.
Meanwhile, 38.8 percent or four in 10 likely voters did not have a choice for party-list yet, the survey showed.
ENDORSEMENTS
One major endorsement Uswag Ilonggo got was from Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon who said the regional party-list could be Western Visayas’ “stronger force and louder voice” in the House of Representatives.
He cited the programs of Uswag Ilonggo anchored on the needs and dreams of the Ilonggos.
“Diin ka man nga bahin sang rehiyon, Ilonggo ka. Uswag Ilonggo party-list para sa imo, para sa inyo, para sa aton tanan! Uswag Ilonggo, numero 99 sa balota. Aton ini,” Drilon said.
Sen. Grace Poe also backs Uswag Ilonggo.
Big political leaders in the region are also one with Uswag Ilonggo. These are governors Florencio Miraflores of Aklan, Rhodora Cadiao of Antique and Samuel Gumarin of Guimaras.
Iloilo’s Governor Defensor said Uswag Ilonggo in Congress is vital to making Western Visayas a premier region.
“In Region 6 we should all unite for one universal aspiration – the welfare of our constituencies,” he stressed.
They are joined by Iloilo City’s Cong. Julienne Baronda and Mayor Jerry Treñas; and majority of the congressmen in Region 6.
With Uswag Ilonggo in Congress, representatives from different provinces of the region will have an additional ally to help push their respective legislative agenda.
Majority of local officials back Uswag Ilonggo from incumbent vice governors, provincial board members, city and town mayors, vice mayors, down to punong barangays as well as political aspirants. They believe Uswag Ilonggo is a reliable partner in progress.
Civil society organizations support Uswag Ilonggo, too, including farmers’ and fisherfolk associations, senior citizen associations, tricycle operators and drivers association, and entrepreneurs, among others.
Artists and celebrities including Jed Madela, Angelia Ong and Erick Castillon also endorsed Uswag Ilonggo.
The nominees of Uswag Ilonggo, No. 99 in the ballot, are James “Jojo” Ang, Jr. as first nominee and Raisa Treñas-Chu as second nominee./PN
