Thousands attend Bauan rally for peaceful elections
BAUAN–Thousands of Batangueños gathered in this town for the prayer rally for a peaceful Batangas, an event aimed at promoting unity, faith and peace ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
The program began with a Walk for Peace at around 12:30 p.m. from the Bauan Technical High School all the way to Plaza Orense.
The walk symbolized the collective aspiration of Batangueños for a peaceful and orderly election.
Various sectors of society participated, including religious leaders, government officials, the LGBTQ community and Bauan residents.
Politicians, such as Vice Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan, a gubernatorial candidate; Congressman Rodante Marcoleta, a senatorial candidate; former congressman Raneo Abu; and local government officials from Batangas’ second district and Bauan were present at the event.
The politicians emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation instead of political conflict and division.
According to former Congressman Raneo Abu: “Ang isinisigaw natin, patuloy na kapayapaan. Ang isinisigaw natin, pagkakaisa.
Narito kami. Inihahain ang buhay para sa pagkakaisa, para sa kapayapaan ng ating bayan, ng ating distrito, ng ating lalawigan at ng ating bansa.”
Ilagan affirmed his commitment to the people of Batangas: “Ako ang sandigan ninyo para sa kinabukasan. Ipaglalaban ko kayong lahat.
Ipaglalaban ko ang buong mamamayang Batangueño. Iisa ang ating direksyon, iisa ang ating pupuntahan–isang world class Batangas.”
Marcoleta, meanwhile, warned voters: “Para sa akin, kapag mali talagang mali. Hindi ako kailanman sasama sa isang bagay na mali. Huwag ninyong ipagbili ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa.”
According to United Batangas for Peace, the organizer of the prayer rally, the event was not just about the elections but also a step toward maintaining a culture of peace in Batangas.
As the elections drew near, the gathering served as a reminder that true public service should be rooted in integrity, respect and peace.
