LOVE SEALED: Over 50,000 expected to join “I-SULONG ANG GUGMA” Grand Rally

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Iloilo City is set to witness a massive turnout as more than 50,000 Ilonggos are expected to attend “I-SULONG ANG GUGMA: Rally sang mga Ilonggo para sa Pagbag-o,” the miting de avance of Team Sulong Gugma, today, Saturday, May 10, at 5 p.m. at the Gaisano Capital Iloilo City Center Complex along Diversion Road.

The event will headline Rep. Jam-Jam Baronda, who is seeking reelection as Iloilo City’s lone district representative, and Love-Love Baronda, the leading contender for vice mayor.

They will be joined by the team’s full slate of city council hopefuls: Doc Von Deveza, Atty. Kesha Pesina, Stanley “Big Bro” Flores, Peter Oñate, GM Ramos, Jun Capulot, Mor Espinosa, Atty. Boots Gerochi, Sheen Mabilog, and Bryant Zulueta.

Senatorial frontrunner Erwin Tulfo is also expected to attend.

The Sulong Gugma slate has gained momentum in recent days following endorsements from two major political forces – Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and Makabayan Panay.

The INC endorsement is widely seen as a strategic advantage, especially in tightly contested races, while Makabayan Panay’s backing highlights the progressive credentials of the team.

In a statement, Makabayan affirmed its support, citing alignment on key social and economic issues.

“As a political party, we have always stood with the people in their struggle to defend and advance their rights and welfare,” Makabayan said. “Guided by principle, we build alliances that amplify the people’s voice. In this light, we endorse candidates based on their stance on issues that truly matter to the public.”

Makabayan’s endorsement followed a dialogue with the candidates, during which they laid out clear positions on major concerns affecting Ilonggos, including:

• Opposition to market privatization
• Resistance to the phaseout of public utility vehicles
• Commitment to inclusive and pro-people development
• Protection of human rights and civil liberties
• Rejection of red-tagging and political repression
• Advocacy for accessible public services such as water and electricity
• Defense of labor rights and job security
• Push for educational reform, including the abolition of the K-12 curriculum

“These are among the issues where we found shared commitments with the Gugma team,” Makabayan Panay stated, noting the candidates’ willingness to engage in dialogue and stand for principled, people-centered governance.

Since 2019, Cong. Jam-Jam Baronda has advocated H.O.P.E., which stands for health, housing, obra, OFW welfare, peace and order, projects for preparedness, education, and environmental regeneration.

She shepherded the passage of 47 laws and authored or coauthored 303 bills in the 19th Congress, where she serves as a Deputy Majority Leader.

On her final term of office starting 2025, she vows to champion an expanded governance of H.O.P.E. through human development, opportunities for all, partnerships for progress, and emergency-ready communities.

Love-Love Baronda and the Team Sulong Gugma councilors vow to address the devastating economic hardships faced by Ilonggos due to anti-people and anti-poor policies of the current administration, such as billions of pesos in loans for non-urgent projects; increased fees and charges (such as parking, garbage, environmental, and sari-sari store permits); a sudden 300% increase in real property tax; and a penchant for privatizing essential services such as water, waste management, markets, and the Iloilo City Hospital.

With just days remaining before the election, today’s rally is expected to serve as a show of strength for Team Sulong Gugma—a culmination of months of grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and community engagement initiated by Rep. Jam-Jam Baronda and former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

The Ilonggos have spoken—including Iglesia ni Cristo and Makabayan Panay—that they will support Rep. Jam-Jam Baronda, vice mayoral candidate Love-Love Baronda, and all 10 Team Sulong Gugma councilors in Monday’s polls. (Advertorial)