Thanksgiving rally for Pam’s victory set

CEBU, Philippines — A thanksgiving and victory rally to be called “Salamat Sugbo” will be held on June 29 to celebrate the win of Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro, who garnered over a million votes in the May 12 elections, defeating five-term incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The event, scheduled from 6 P.M. to midnight, is expected to draw a crowd of 10,000 to 12,000 supporters.

It is being organized by the Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS) as well as Baricuatro's team, who made the announcement during a press briefing yesterday.

Ian Gacrama, head organizer from DDS, led the preparation for the upcoming gathering, joined by fellow lead organizers Jun Abines and Jocelyn Nacua.

Although the final location has yet to be confirmed, organizers said they are eyeing a portion of Osmeña Boulevard, specifically the area in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol, as a potential venue.

Currently, permits for the rally are currently being processed.

The event will feature a thanksgiving concert for the thousands of supporters who helped Baricuatro win.

Lawyer Rowena Guanzon, former commissioner of both the Commission on Elections and Commission on Audit, is set to grace the occasion as guest of honor. She is known for her outspoken stance against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“I’m here not only to show support but also to share the vision of a progressive, passionate, and peaceful Province of Cebu together with our new governor, Pam Baricuatro,” said Guanzon.

She encouraged unity and participation, saying, “everyone is welcome.”

“I think it is time that we make the Province of Cebu get back on its feet, to be a role model for the provinces around the country,” Guanzon added.

Beyond celebrating Baricuatro’s victory, the rally is also seen as a platform to promote the broader advocacies of her political movement as she prepares to take office.

Volunteers and performers have been coordinating with the organizing team to offer their talents for the thanksgiving concert. Free t-shirt printing featuring the hashtag #PeoplesGovernor will be available on-site.

Abines said formal invitations were sent to Vice President Sara Duterte and newly-elected PDP-Laban senators. However, he noted that no confirmations had been received as of press time.

“Kini siya is just the start because we have a long way to become a great nation by telling that we want good leaders, and we support the advocacy and vision of Gov. Pam to be a great province," Abines said.

He added that the rally will also serve as a venue to express support for Vice President Duterte, particularly with the impeachment complaint filed against her.

While the organizers clarified that there will be no food or transport subsidies provided, they are welcoming donations from private individuals and organizations who wish to contribute.

To ensure the safety of attendees, organizers are prohibiting weapons and dangerous items and urged the public to maintain a peaceful and festive atmosphere throughout the event.

The “Salamat Sugbo” rally is taking place during the transition period, as Baricuatro prepares to officially assume the governorship.

Baricuatro, a neophyte in provincial politics, ran under the PDP-Laban banner and triumphed with 1,107,924 votes, beating Garcia’s 765,051. Her victory was marked by decisive wins in 29 of Cebu’s 51 towns and cities.