THE administration’s “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas” senatorial slate is set to campaign today in vote-rich Camarines Sur, a province which it considers a “crucial battleground” because of its 1.34 million voting population and land area.
Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, campaign manager of Alyansa, noted the strategic importance of Camarines Sur “given its economic strength, population size, and role in national politics.”
“As the third wealthiest province in the Philippines and the largest in Bicol by population and land area, Camarines Sur is a crucial battleground for Alyansa,” Tiangco said.
The Alyansa is composed of reelectionist Senators Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos, Pia Cayetano and Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino; former senators Vicente Sotto III, Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao; Rep. Erwin Tulfo (PL, ACT-CIS), and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, and former Interior Secretary and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos.
Tiangco said Alyansa’s vision for the province aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for national progress by ensuring that key regions like Bicol will continue to benefit from the administration’s infrastructure and development programs.
“The province is central to agriculture, trade, and infrastructure in the region, and our goal is to ensure continued progress and national alignment in its development,” he said.
The Alyansa ticket has been campaigning individually during weekdays to cover more grounds with only more than two months left before the May 12 midterm elections.
The administration’s senatorial bets, however, will continue to campaign with Marcos during rallies, which is now limited to once a week or every Friday.
Tiangco said the senatorial candidates will present their platforms during the rally at the Kaogma grounds in Pili, Camarines Sur, where they are expected to focus on economic growth, infrastructure and agricultural development, especially since the province is a major producer of rice, coconut and abaca, which makes it a vital contributor to the country’s agricultural economy.
He said the Alyansa is expected to highlight programs supporting farmers, fisherfolk and local industries, “reinforcing its commitment to rural development and food security.”
He also said infrastructure will be a main topic of the campaign leg with the candidates discussing the government’s ongoing public works projects in Camarines Sur, particularly the Camarines Sur Expressway, a major road project set for completion in 2028.
With the theme “Bicol Express Progress,” Pacquiao vowed to not only push for faster and more efficient transportation and better infrastructure “but also a roadmap to economic empowerment, social development and resilience for every Bicolano.”
Pacquiao said his legislative push in Camarines Sur centers on four key priorities: economic growth through investments in agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure to create sustainable livelihoods; livelihood programs by strengthening support for small businesses and job creation; youth and sports development by expanding grassroots sports programs and scholarships; and disaster resilience by improving typhoon preparedness and response to protect communities.
Yesterday in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, Pacquiao graced the 18th Bulawan Festival and the province’s 27th founding anniversary.
Speaking before a crowd of distinguished guests, officials, and community members at the Super Mega Tent, Capitol Grounds, he stressed the importance of preserving the province’s rich cultural heritage while forging a future of prosperity and unity.
The three-day celebration, running from March 6 to 8, 2025, carries the theme “Davao de Oro, Padayon Ta!” — a rallying call for continued progress and resilience.
“Bilang isang taong nagmula sa simpleng buhay, naiintindihan ko ang halaga ng pagsisikap at pananalig. Hindi hadlang ang anumang hamon basta’t may determinasyon at pagkakaisa tayo (As someone with humble beginnings, I understand the importance of hard work and faith. Any challenges will not be an obstacle as long as we have determination and unity),” he said.
