NP Vigan rally draws 150,000

VIGAN CITY - About 150,000 people turned up at the city's Quirino Stadium Sunday night to support Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manny Villar during the "Rockatropa" concert here led by the king of Philippine noontime shows Willie Revillame.

Amid the deafening shouts of his name, Villar went down the stage twice to mingle briefly with the receptive crowd and shake their hands.

In his speech, Villar cited the industry and perseverance (sipag at tiyaga) of the Ilocanos.

"Yun pong sipag at tiyaga na palaging ikinakabit sa akin, alam po ninyo, ang modelo ko diyan ay kayong mga Ilocano," Villar told the crowd.

He said the Ilocanos are one of the most industrious and persevering people he knows.

Villar said his campaign slogan, "sipag at tiyaga," aptly describes the Ilocanos.

However, he regrets the national government's failure to fully harness these traits of the Ilocano people. He said there is much potential in the region that has not been put into good use.

"Kung naalalayan lang sana, mas maraming ibinunga ang sipag at tiyaga ng mga Ilokano," Villar said.

But Villar said it is not yet late to tap these traits of the Ilocanos that could open limitless possibilities to achieve the growth of the province and the progress of its people.

If he wins the May 10 elections, Villar vowed to help the Ilocanos maximize their resources and potentials.

Aside from his running mate, Loren Legarda, Villar was also joined by senatorial candidates Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Gwen Pimentel, Susan "Toots" Ople, Adel Tamano, Gilbert Remulla and Bongbong Marcos. Martin Querubin represented his detained father Col. Ariel Querubin.

Before the program ended, Villar also sang Revillame's hit, "Ikaw na Nga" which brought resounding cheers from the audience.

Villar's team was also joined by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson who is seeking the province's gubernatorial seat.