GOV. BARBERS LEAD NP OATHTAKERS IN SURIGAO

SURIGAO CITY--Nacionalista Party (NP) President Sen. Manny Villar swore in Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers as the newest member of the country's oldest political party at the Provincial Sports Complex, attended by over 25,000 grassroots supporters.

Villar likewise administered the oath to around 200 local leaders including 65 incumbents with six mayors and seven vice-mayors led by Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, recipient of the Local Government Leadership Award.

Congressional bet Atty. Constantino "Banjo" Navarro III of the influential Navarro clan in Surigao also took his oath as NP.

The bleachers of the stadium were overfilled with participants in white shirts who cheered and remained standing during the entire program. Even the racetrack teemed with people.

"This is a manifestation of the kind of support given to Sen. Manny Villar by the people of Surigao," emphasized Governor Barbers, "Reflecting the sentiments of many of our constituents, we are confident that the vision of the Nacionalista Party for the country will pave the way for progress in our province."

"I deeply value your support which comes at a time when strong partners are needed in helping rebuild the lives and restore the hopes of our people, lashed by calamities," said Villar, who himself has been aggressively leading rescue and relief efforts since the height of typhoon Ondoy.

"As a nation, poverty is our enemy. Coming from and eventually rising from it, I am able to partner with you in addressing, mitigating, and finding solutions to this scourge," said Villar, who started out as a shrimp vendor until he honed his entrepreneurial skills (with "sipag at tiyaga"), leading to his success.

With the NP leader at the event were stalwarts and spokesmen, former Rep. Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc and Atty. Adel Tamano, who is also strongly pushing NP's vision for Mindanao.