Malanyaon, Dayanghirang join NP

MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL--Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon and Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang (1st district) joined the Nacionalista Party headed by Sen. Manny Villar, deserting the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Malanyaon and Dayanghirang led the new entrants to NP who took oath before Villar at the covered court of the Provincial Capitol, consisting of Board Members Ronald Lara, Nestor Uy, Ramona Olea, Maximo Nazareno, Delfin Miones, and Justina Yu, eight mayors, 11 vice-mayors, and 68 incument and aspiring councilors.

Joining them were leaders from Davao del Norte and North Cotabato who also took their oath to the Villar-led party.

Villar said, "Our most important quest together is to fight the menace of poverty which has been the root cause of many of our country's problems, including peace and order. It is crucial to give our citizens access to livelihood opportunities that will improve our people's living conditions."

"Tayo ay dumadaan sa bagyo, at sa ating pagsakay sa isang barko, hindi ba't nais natin ang isang kapitang may liderato at kakayanan?"

"Mahalaga ito upang mabigyang pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan, maiangat ang kabuhayan at matugunan ang pangangailangang maipagamot ang ating mga mahal sa buhay na napapabayaan dahil sa kahirapan, bagay na dinanas din ng pamilya ko noon," said Villar, who himself arose from poverty.

Malanyaon stressed, "Senator Villar stands out not only in prioritizing Mindanao but also in exemplifying leadership tested in both the private and public sector, making him a cut above the rest. By joining NP, we underscore our commitment to partner with him and our people in the fight against poverty."

Also attending the NP event were Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas "Dodo" Cagas, Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte, and Atty. Adel Tamano.

The event came a day after the oathtaking of Pasig City Mayor Robert "Bobby" Eusebio and Vice-Mayor Rosalio "Yoyong" Martirez in the city, and stalwarts of Asenso Manileno led by Manila Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno to NP, among 700 new NP entrants from across the country who trooped to the historic Laurel House in Mandaluyong City.

Earlier, Dayanghirang filed House Bill 6505 which provides for a training program that will serve as basis for the promotion of teachers. At present, teachers in the primary and secondary levels undergo continuing education through Teacher Education Centers of Excellence mandated under Republic Act 7784.