Legazpi City ––The region’s political party Kusog Bikolandia is the first Bicolano partylist that strongly backed up the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo for the upcoming May 2022 presidential elections.
Noel De Luna, founding chairman of Kusog Bikolandia is the first political party in Bicol that expressed his total support over the candidacy of Robredo for the country’s top post.
Kusog Bicolandia was formed on July 16, 2018 by former mediaman-turned-businessman Noel De Luna of Wellconstruct, Inc., with the slogan “Bicolanong Buronyog, Rehiyong Makusog,” (United Bicolanos, Strong Region).
The organization is a regional political party of Bicolanos whose roots come from the 6 provinces of Bicol, namely Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate, as well as those who may have settled in other places where Bicolano communities flourish.
Kusog Bicolandia aims to champion genuine social equality, where every Bicolano shall be given access to the same basic needs: quality health services, education, livelihood, emergency assistance, pension and shelter (HELPS).
Majority of its members are professionals and businessmen who are looking to radically change the political landscape of the Bicol region.
De Luna, is supposed to run for congressional seat but opted to forego his plan to support the candidacy of Robredo.
“Today, I will again be making a very important decision in my life. Difficult as it may appear, I believe I will never be wrong in putting above all the higher interest of the people, particularly those in the 3rd District of Camarines Sur and the Bicol region as a whole. I am foregoing my intention to run as congressman in the 3rd District of Camarines Sur. This is a matter of self-sacrifice, of selflessness, and public good,” De Luna said.
He said that as Bicolano he is duty bound to support the candidacy of fellow Bicolano, “As a private citizen and fellow Bicolano, we are duty bound and I am duty bound as Bicolanos to rally behind our favorite daughter and support her bid to win the Presidency,” De Luna said in a statement.
De Luna is the first nominee of Kusog Bikolandia whose nomination was made a few days ago during its convention held at Casablanca Hotel.
“There is persistent debate among my colleagues in Kusog Bikolandia where I am its founding chairman that its entry into the party-list race may be jeopardized by my having to join the congressional contest within the same election year. While I may not be its first nominee, for I relegated the honor to one of our fellow KB officers, I remain to be its chairman emeritus and signatory to its accreditation as party-list,” he said.
De Luna, an ally of the Duterte administration, chose Leni to be supported and to dedicate his time to help the country’s second highest official in her candidacy. De Luna said that he dropped his congressional bid totally to have enough time to be a forefront of Robredo’s candidacy.
“I will have the luxury of time too to support our Vice President Leni Robredo whom we hope will finally decide to seek the highest office of the land. Without any reservation, I will be in the forefront of the people’s battle to install her as the next President of the Republic of the Philippines,” De Luna said.
“Therefore, I conclude that I am making the right decision by staying away from the congressional intramurals. That way I will have time and space to muster the strongest force that in its own humble way will contribute to the victory of our first Bicolano president,” he added.
As to the vice-presidential race, De Luna will be supporting Senator Bong Go’s, vice presidential bid.
“To my allies and supporters, I will always be grateful for your trust and confidence and the unwavering faith in my intentions. By having to stay out of the congressional battle, I will have ample time to repay a man to whom I am grateful. This man has brought various projects and programs not only to our district and province but to the whole Bicol Region, as well,” he said.
“I am referring to Senator Lawrence “Bong” Go, who is instrumental in the establishment of more Malasakit Centers in various hospitals in different towns, cities and provinces in Bicol, including Naga City and Camarines Sur. As senator, he has sponsored in the Upper Chamber the upgrading of resources, classification and facilities at the Bicol Medical Center to whom Congressman Gabby Bordado, who sought the same upgrade through a counterpart House bill, was also most thankful,” he said.
De Luna said that through his representation, the initial multi-million-peso road opening for the proposed Naga Diversion-Mabolo Road was facilitated by the Office of Senator Bong Go until it was eventually implemented by the DPWH.
Senator Bong Go has his heart in the right place for our fellow Bicolanos and is accessible and accommodating to all Bicol politicians and policy decision-makers regardless of their political color and affiliation, he said.
“For all these, I will always be grateful to this man and will support him in his bid for the second highest post of the land. Having him as vice-president will mean more progress and development in Bicol even as I volunteer myself as his point man who will tell him what the region needs. As a friend and Kumpadre I will never hesitate and have second thoughts of helping one Bong Go to become our next Vice President,” the KB chairman said.
Kusog Bikolandia founder Noel De Luna bangs the gavel during its convention a few days ago held at Casablanca Hotel. (By: Raneza Sabina Barcebal)