Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc welcomed the “UniTeam” campaign caravan of Presidential and Vice Presidential aspirants, former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, yesterday.
Alongside Gov. Marcos Manotoc were Senator Imee R. Marcos and a former economic consultant of the Provincial Government, Mr. Sandro Marcos.
Hundreds of thousands of residents have lined up the streets to show their support during the caravan that started in the Municipality of Pagudpud, then traversed the towns of Bangui, Burgos, Pasuquin, and Bacarra.
The “UniTeam” made a brief stop in Laoag City, then proceeded to the Paoay Sand Dunes, where a campaign rally was conducted. According to the headcount of the Philippine National Police-Ilocos Norte, around 25,000-30,000 were present at the venue.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyo for being here and showing the true meaning of the Solid North. I ask that this year and victory ng kailian (province-mate) po natin na si Bongbong Marcos ay maging victory rin ng mga Ilokano.
Ipapakita po natin na kahit maliit ang probinsiya natin, solid po tayo. Ilocos Norte leads the Solid North” Gov. Marcos Manotoc said.
He also said prior that the thousands of attendees were “expected” on this Marcos turf.
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa pagmamahal sa pinakita ninyo sa aming motorcade, sa aming caravan, sa pagsalubong ninyo. Alam niyo naman na ang sinisigaw naming adhikain ay pagkakaisa. Dito sa Ilocos Norte ko natutunan ang konsepto ng pagkakaisa,” aspirant Marcos remarked. He served as Ilocos Norte’s Vice Governor, Governor, and Congressman, and later on, was elected as a Senator.
“Bakit po UniTeam? Dahil gusto naming lagyan ng mukha ang kasabihang ‘In unity there is strength.’ Dahil gusto po namin na makita ng buong mundo na malakas ang Pilipinas dahil nagkakaisa tayo lahat,”Duterte-Carpio, Marcos’ running mate, explained.
Previously, on November 20, 2021, at least 100,000 people participated in the “BBM-Sara Unity Ride” in Ilocos Norte, another “show of force” by the Marcos-Duterte tandem.-PGIN-CMO