Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia said Oct. 21 that around 1,000 vendors at the Burgos Public Market endorsed his re-election bid, and that of his running mate, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.
The vendors belonging to four associations “also threw their solid support” to the Grupo Progreso candidates for councilor during a festive endorsement ceremony, complete with a live band performance, a press release from Leonardia’s camp said.
A three-page manifesto of support to the GP slate was also signed by Benhur Anlap Jr. – president of the Katilingban nga Manugbaligya sa Merkado Burgos, Joe Martin Coniendo – president of the Burgos Brotherhood Vendors Association, Willy Lapore – president of the Burgos Market Fish Vendors Association, and Lucelyn de la Paz – head of the Burgos Ramos Vendors Association.
They said that under Leonardia’s watch, Bacolod became the Most Competitive City in the entire Visayas, the Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines, the Best Performing Local Government Unit City Category in Western Visayas, on top of other accolades and accomplishments, including being an awardee of the Seal of Local Governance.
The vendors also lauded Leonardia and his administration for securing the P150-million funding support from the national government for the renovation of the Burgos, Central, and Libertad markets, with P50 million in allocation each.
Leonardia said bidding for the three projects will be done next week. He also assured that the city government has no plans of privatizing the three markets.
“I cannot guarantee you what the plans of other candidates are…what I can only say is that, Vice Mayor El Cid and those who stayed true with Grupo Progreso are people with principles. Vice Mayor El Cid cannot be bought,” Leonardia added in the press release. | NND
