Cebu Leni supporters vow ‘full support’ to Angat Buhay as NGO

CEBU, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo’s supporters in Cebu have pledged their “full support” to the Angat Buhay program.

This developed after Robredo announced on Friday that she would continue her Angat Buhay program by establishing it as a non-governmental organization (NGO) starting July 1.

By then, Robredo’s term as vice president will have already ended.

Movement for Transformative Politics (MTP) – Gahum sa Katawhan co-convenor Hal Atienza said that  their group will remain despite Robredo’s defeat in the last election.

“Nakita namo nga sensiro gyud si Robredo sa pagserbisyo sa katawhan. Kahibalo naman ta nga bisan pa man sa panahon nga wala siya'y posisyon sa gobyerno kaniadto, nangalagad naman siya daan,” Atienza said.

Atienza added that they are just waiting for the final instruction from the national office  for the operation of what would be called the Angat Buhay Foundation.

Atienza’s group was one of the flooding active organizations that supported Robredo’s candidacy.

According to him, many organizations from various sectors will still be joining them in the cause to organize the Angat Buhay as a foundation, such as the youth, doctors, lawyers, vendors, women, among others.

Robredo announced the establishment of the Angat Buhay NGO during the thanksgiving event of Senator Kiko Pangilinan called “Tayo Ang Liwanag: Isang Pasasalamat” at the Ateneo de Manila University grounds in Quezon City over the weekend.

“Sa unang araw ng Hulyo, ilulunsad natin ang Angat Buhay NGO,” Robredo said this in front of their supporters.

Robredo also recognized the volunteers’ initiative that was mobilized during the campaign season as proof that such a massive “bayanihan” movement is possible.

She encouraged her supporters to help her plan and create the largest volunteer network in the country’s history.

“Bubuuin natin ang pinakamalaking volunteer network sa kasaysayan ng buong bansa. Tuloy tayo sa pagtungo sa mga nasa laylayan at sa pag-ambagan para umangat sila,” she added. — JMD (FREEMAN)