SENATORIAL candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is set to hold his miting de avance in Cebu City.

The event is scheduled on Wednesday, May 7, at Plaza Independencia, with organizers promising an inclusive, engaging, and volunteer-driven campaign rally that highlights his long-standing advocacy for food security and farmers’ welfare.

In a press conference on Saturday, May 3, lead Cebu organizer Jojo Tiongko announced that the event will start at 4 p.m. and will feature a mix of national and local artists, including Gary Valenciano, Piolo Pascual, and Nikki Valdez.

Youth artists, local bands, and drag queens are also expected to take the stage in what the organizers described as a “fun, meaningful afternoon.”

A surprise appearance from actor Donny Pangilinan, the senator’s nephew, is also being arranged.

Pangilinan will be the sole senatorial candidate featured at the rally.

While no local candidates are officially slated to appear, Tiongko noted that the senator has built friendships with Cebu-based politicians over the years and may receive spontaneous endorsements or support on the ground.

The senator, who has consistently ranked well in past Cebu elections, most notably topping the Senate race in 2007, has held previous grand rallies in the city.

Organizers believe this history of support is one reason Cebu was chosen as the venue for the final campaign event before election day.

Pangilinan’s team reiterated that his campaign continues to focus on long-term solutions to systemic issues such as hunger, food security, and agriculture.

Among his key advocacies is the strengthening of the Sagip Saka program, which aims to directly connect farmers and fishers to markets, and the provision of free meals in schools to address malnutrition and keep students in class.

“His push for free school meals came from immersions with students. A lot of children go to school hungry, and that’s why they drop out. If we solve hunger, we can uplift education,” Tiongko said.

Volunteers also highlighted Pangilinan’s efforts to lower the price of rice, which he believes will help ease the burden of rising costs across other basic commodities.

The campaign has drawn support from various sectors, including vendors, fisherfolk, farmers, and especially youth volunteers.

Sherwin Solomon Noval, a 21-year-old political science student and campaign volunteer, said the senator’s integrity and legislative track record inspired him to join the movement.

“We need senators like him who truly serve the people,” Noval said.

He added that many young people are skeptical of politics, but Pangilinan’s clean record and pro-people stance set him apart.

“He’s someone who really wants to serve. That sincerity is what we’re fighting for, he said.

In response to online bashing and misinformation, the campaign relies on volunteer-led social media pages and grassroots organizing.

Tiongko shared that the group has been going house-to-house across Cebu, distributing campaign materials and engaging directly with voters.

As final preparations for Tuesday’s event continue, organizers estimate an attendance of at least 5,000 supporters.

“The real survey is on election day,” Tiongko said. “And we’re confident that Cebu will show up for Kiko once again.”(TGP)

• Tags
• #Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
• #Miting de Avance
• #Cebu City
• #Jojo Tiongko
• #Gary Valenciano
• #Piolo Pascual
• #Nikki Valdez
• #Plaza Independencia
• #Donny Pangilinan
• #Senatorial Candidate
• #Sagip Saka Program
• #Free School Meals