BANGUED, Abra – Provincial party Asenso, led by Gov. Maria Jocelyn “Joy” Bernos, formalized here on Tuesday its alliance with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago.
Both parties exchanged symbolic keys to formalize their alliance during a gathering attended by over 5,000 Asenso members.
“Hugpong’s dreams for the Philippines are identical to what Asenso is dreaming of for Abra. A clean and peaceful province,” said Bernos.
“We had long wanted to shed away the stigma of a province wrought by violence,” said Bernos. “Ang mga taga-Abra ay gusto na ang lugar namin ay maging maunlad,” added Bernos.
Mayor Duterte was made an adopted daughter of Abra with the name “Dulimaman” during the gathering. Dulimaman is a heroine of the Tingguian epic “Wadagan and Dulimaman” who has the characteristics of a great Tingguian female embodying courage, wisdom, and compassion.
Abra Rep. Joseph “JB” Bernos, brother-in-law of Bernos, and a leading pillar of Asenso, was present during the event which was also attended by Hugpong senatorial bets Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid “Dong” Mangudadatu, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Sen. JV Ejercito, former presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino, and Bacoor City, Cavite Mayor Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, representing former Sen. Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla Jr., and Governors Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Anthony del Rosario, Nelson Dayanghirang, Claude Bautista, and Ryan Singson.
Asenso has the support of 25 out of the 27 mayors in Abra. (Freddie G. Lazaro)
