Former Bacolod City mayor Luzviminda “Joy” Valdez endorsed the re-election bid of Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia in the May 9 elections.
Valdez’s support came as a surprise and a big boost to Leonardia’s campaign as both of them used to belong to different political camps, a press release from the city said Jan. 20.
Valdez, who served as Bacolod mayor from 2001 to 2004, is known for her strong advocacies as champion of the welfare of persons with disability.
She also took the frontline in promoting family, women, and children’s rights and gender equality.
She visited Leonardia Jan. 19 at the Bacolod Government Center to formally announce her support.
“It is heartwarming that former Mayor Joy is giving me her support. I cannot overemphasize my gratitude to her for coming out to endorse me. I am humbled by her gesture,” Leonardia said.
Her support came on the heels of endorsements of Leonardia and the Grupo Progreso slate from barangay captains, namely Hersy Sibug of Barangay 7, Rodolfo Pico, Barangay Mansilingan; Rudy Baydo Sr., Barangay 6; Rommel Flores, Barangay Villamonte;
Ernesto Yap Jr., Barangay 32; Antonio Ongsinco, Barangay 4; Rogelio Pabiania, Barangay 17; Salvacion Penuela, Barangay 41; Madeline Diaz, Barangay 18; Lady Gles Pallen, Barangay Taculing; Glo Ann Tambasen, Barangay Montevista, and Degie Tanista of Barangay Alangilan, who endorsed Leonardia at the Barangay Health Response Teams meeting in Barangay Montevista recently.
Meanwhile, Leonardia led the induction of officers of the Women’s Organization for Reforms, Development, and Solidarity (WORDS), led by president Rowena Espiritusanto, at Gonzaga gym Jan. 20.
With the mayor were Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, councilors Israel Salanga and Archie Baribar, Grupo Progreso members Em Ang, Cashmere Montalvo, Dr. Chris Sorongon, and Marlon Solidum, executive assistant Ernie Pineda, and Jang Yap, who represented congressional bet Dan Atayde.
The group, composed of more than 170 members from all over Bacolod, also endorsed the reelection bids of Leonardia and Familiaran, and Atayde as congressman. | NND
