Surf’s up! Robredo holds first people’s rally by the beach (Sabong News)

BORONGAN CITY—Comparing her grand rally in Eastern Samar as a “beach party,” Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday, March 29, promised Samareños here that she will prioritize improving the province’s tourism sector to bring jobs and progress. The “Pink Wave Ha Este” Eastern Samar Grand People’s Rally was the first campaign sortie to be organized by the seaside. This was held along the Baybay Boulevard. Robredo noticed that the province has a “beautiful surfing place.” “Diba dapat nalalaman ‘yan ng ibang Pilipino para binibisita tayo dito (Shouldn’t other Filipinos learn about it so they will visit us)?,” she said. “Pag maganda turismo, gusto ko sabihin hanapbuhay para sa mga dito sa inyo. Napakarami pong magagandang lugar dito, kailangan lang maipakilala natin sila sa ating kababayan (When the tourism is good, that means more livelihood for you all. There are many beautiful places here, we just need to show to our fellowmen),” Robredo added. The presidential aspirant stood on the stage wearing slippers as the waves splashed behind and people gathered around to hear her speak. She promised this will not be the last time she goes in Samar as her relationship with the province started even before she became vice president. “That when I become president, I will visit you more. We will go to places that most national government officials do not reach to give the help they need,” she told the crowd in Filipino. Aside from her medical mission and projects for students such as multicabs, dormitories, and solar lamps, as well as programs for the farmers and fisherfolk, Robredo also swore to prioritize the infrastructure development of the province. In particular, a circumferential road that would connect the three provinces. Noticeable absent in the grand rally attended by thousands of Robredo’s supporters was her running mate, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. He was present during the rally in Ormoc, Leyte and Naval, Biliran earlier. But in Eastern Samar, where Gov. Ben Evardone has endorsed Robredo’s presidential bid and not Pangilinan’s, the jam-packed crowd missed the senator’s presence. Evardone, who is a known ally of President Duterte and who said that the Chief Executive gave his blessing to his endorsement of Robredo, was instrumental in bringing some 20 local executives in Eastern Samar to support the Vice President.