The people of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, who ignored the heavy rain to listen to Aksyon Demokratiko presidential candidate Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s government platform and programs, astounded the presidential aspirant.

Residents never left the open plaza during Aksyon Demokratiko’s grand rally in Cagayan de Oro on Monday evening, literally listening to Domagoso under the downpour.

“Ituloy pa ba natin? Uwi na kayo, baka magkasakit kayo. Alam niyo mga taga Cagayan, gustong-gusto ko kayong makausap, pero baka magkasakit naman kayo. Gusto ko kayo talaga makaharap ngayong gabi, kaya lang, bigla namang umulan(Shall we continue this? Go home, you might get sick. You know that I really wanted to talk to you, but you might get sick. I want to meet you tonight but the rain suddenly poured),” he said.

Domagoso and the other Aksyon Demokratiko candidates joined the people in the rain to demonstrate their commitment to the people of Northern Mindanao. 

During his Misamis Oriental campaign stop, Domagoso pledged that if elected president, he will infuse more infrastructure development in Mindanao, which he claims will help accelerate the region’s human development index. 

He claims that by doing so, inclusive and equitable economic growth will flourish outside of Luzon.

“There are areas here, would you believe, based on our data given to me, 8 percent lang halos yung may access sa (only has access to) clean, potable water. And of course, last is the internet connectivity because it creates opportunity and commerce online. An opportunity for any John Does and Mary o mga Petra o Pedro na makapaghanap-buhay online. So, these are the things na sana maibigay din at maramdaman din sa Mindanao pagdating ng araw (or Petra and Pedro to work online. So these are the things that we hope we can give to Mindanao someday),” he said.

Domagoso stressed the importance of increasing the human development index, which can be accomplished by meeting the people’s basic needs through decent and affordable housing projects, free medicines and modern hospitals, job creation, and quality education. 

He also stated that if given the opportunity to serve the country, he will ensure that Mindanao has a consistent supply of electricity and better internet connectivity. 

The Mindanao region, according to Domagoso, is one of the country’s food baskets, but it faces infrastructure challenges such as road connectivity.

“So, kung binabayo tayo ng bagyo sa Luzon at least may pang offset tayo ng food security dito sa ikatlong pinakamalaking isla ng ating bansa (if we are being stormed in Luzon by heavy typhoons, at least we can offset food security in this third biggest island in the country) which is Mindanao.,” he said.

Domagoso promised the people of Mindanao a simple government that will always prioritize its people above all else by providing housing projects, schools, hospitals, jobs, and affordable commodities. 

Domagoso said he was overwhelmed by the people’s support, saying it was the first time he saw a crowd that never left their candidate despite heavy rains.

“I love you. Ngayon lang ako nakakita, wala akong mahugot na salita sa sobrang pasalamat ko sa inyo at sakripisyo ninyo ngayong gabi. Mga kababayan, may awa ng Diyos, sa tulong ninyo, susuklian ko yang paghihirap niyo sa amin ngayon ng mabuting gobyerno (This is the first time, I am speechless and I want to thank you for your sacrifices tonight. Through the help of God, I will return the favor to you by giving you a good government),” he said.

Photo Credit: Facebook/IskoMorenoDomagoso