BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar – HEAVY downpour failed to dampen the enthusiasm of UniTeam supporters, including a 95-year-old Marcos loyalist from staying at the grand rally at Borongan Plaza here to listen to candidates’ speeches led by presidential candidate former Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. until the end of the event.

Marcos thanked Alejandro Duzon, a 95-year-old Marcos loyalist, for joining thousands of Warays who attended the political rally and listened to UniTeam’s message of unity, hope and patriotism.

“Kailangan nating kilalanin ang VIP ng lahat ng Marcos loyalists, si Alejandro Duzon na 95 years old,” Marcos said in expressing gratitude to Duzon.

The UniTeam barnstormed key locations in Samar Friday with the local residents here coming out in full force despite the inclement weather.

The sacrifice shown by local supporters was greatly appreciated by the UniTeam tandem, which in this case was represented by Marcos and Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) stalwart Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa stood in for Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) vice presidential bet Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Bato, a former Philippine National Police chief, echoed the call for unity, peace and patriotism that has been the spoken foundation of the UniTeam campaign.

The survey-leading ticket kicked off its sorties in the region with a rally over at the UEP Covered Gymnatorium in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Over here at the Borongan Plaza, the location of the second rally, multiple people huddled under umbrellas just so they could get closer to the stage and see the members of UniTeam better.

Similar sorties were carried out at the provincial capitol grounds, Catbalogan and at the Naval Gym in Biliran, all in Samar province.

UniTeam made their Samar swing even as provincial Governor Reynolds Michael Tan earlier promised to deliver a 100,000-vote margin of victory for both Marcos and Duterte.

During the rally, 4Ps party-list first nominee Marcelino Libanan introduced Marcos to the local folk during the program.

Libanan put into perspective the love and attention that the Ilocano Palace bet has shown Eastern Samar.

“Baka in our lifetime hindi na ito dumating na ang isang Waray-Waray, dugo natin, magiging Presidente sa Republikang Pilipinas,” Libaran said, referring to former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ roots in the region.

“Ang tanong, mahal ba niya ang Eastern Samar? Mga kapatid, sa halalan na ito, baka ang Eastern Samar lang na probinsya na malayo ang pupuntahan niya at pinuntahan niya ng dalawang beses.

Sobrang pagmamahal na ipinakikita sa atin, napakaliit tayong botante sa buong Pilipinas, pero dalawang beses na pumunta dito,” he said, referring to Marcos.

“Ngayon kahit umulan, bumagyo, nandito sa atin, kaya ba nating tugunan ‘yan, ang pagmamahal niya?,” Libaran challenged his constituents.

Marcos first visited Eastern Samar in Nov. 28, 2021, or roughly two months after he filed his certificate of candidacy for president.