SIMILAR to what happened in Manila, Rizal, and Laguna, tens of thousands of residents came out of their homes and places of work to cheer and express their full support for Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso as the “Team Isko” motorcade meandered its way around the cities of Navotas and Malabon Friday afternoon.

Everywhere Moreno proceeded, thousands of screaming and cheering supporters warmly welcome him with open arms as they squeeze for a position in the crowded streets, all trying to shake or just touch the hands of the 47-year-old Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer.

Shouts of “Isko, Isko, Isko” and “Yorme, Yorme, Yorme” reverberated wherever he went while residents try to capture that brief precious moment that Moreno was with them in the flesh.

Residents waved handmade placards expressing various expressions of support with one even saying “Mayor Isko panalo ka na, huwag ka lang dadayain.”

From 2 p.m. till late evening before 9 p.m., Navotas and Malabon residents of all ages and all walks of life showed their support, with many of them giving various food packets, water, soft drinks and other beverages, flowers, and even various religious items to the “Yorme ng Pilipinas.”

Parents raise their children for Moreno to touch their heads with the hope that the perseverance, hard work, and success of the former “basurero” who became councilor, vice mayor, and now mayor will rub off on the child.

Ever with a soft heart for the elders, Moreno alighted several times to greet and utter some words of comfort and gratitude to the elderly on wheelchairs who waited patiently in front of their homes to see the presidential bet.

The 47-year-old presidential aspirant, along with his running mate Doc Willie Ong and the Aksyon senatorial candidates Dr. Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc, and Jopet Sison, were very happy and full of gratitude to the people of Navotas and Malabon.

While Moreno always say “Maraming salamat sa inyo” to the people they passed along the route, he also posted his gratitude on his Facebook page immediately after the motorcade ended.

“Lubos ang aking kasiyahan sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap sa aming grupo. Nakakawala ng pagod ang inyong mga ngiti, hiyawan, pagkaway at flying kiss,” he said.

Moreno said it is this genuine and unbridled show of support from the people that nourishes and sustains his resolve to act fast on implementing real solutions that will address the ills plaguing the country and its people should he be elected.

“Laging malakas ang loob ko kasi makikita nyo naman yung init ng pagtanggap ng tao. On their own lumalabas sila, nagpapa-araw sila. Yung mga lolo at lola ko, mga senior citizens, kahit hirap sila physically, lumalabas sila. Yun ang nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa akin para tuluy tuloy na labanan itong mga suliraning nagpapahirap sa taong bayan,” said Moreno said in an interview in Navotas.

Moreno said it is also the reason why he remains unfazed despite the many challenges facing his campaign, from being an underdog to being a candidate without a political pedigree to speak of, among others.

“Bakit ako (madi-dismaya), ayan, yung tao na nagsasalita e. I think, eto, the thing speaks for itself. Kaya lumalakas ang loob ko dahil ang tao, yung silent majority, lumalabas ng bahay nila para lang masilayan tayo. Sa gitna ng araw, kahapon umulan pa, umambon, pero ang tao hindi nagpatalo o hindi nagpapigil na mabigyan man lamang tayo ng lakas ng loob na ‘Isko, eto kami. Kakamayan ka namin, lalabasin ka namin’,” he said.

“Sa akin ‘yun ang lakas ng loob na pinanghahawakan ko ngayon at syempre naniniwala ako, may Diyos naman,” Moreno said.

If elected president, Moreno said he will address the perennial problems of poverty, hunger, more jobs, inequality, and social injustice in the country by focusing on providing the minimum basic needs of the people – housing, education, health care, and jobs – through the efficient and prudent management of government resources. These form the main pillars of his 10-Point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda.