Socio-civic group pitching unity launched in Mandaluyong

AGROUP of lawmakers, current and former local government officials and socio-civic groups on Wednesday formally launched a movement which they said heeded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s call for unity, reject politics of division and be a unifying factor to achieve the government’s development goals.

Convenors of the group called Kilusan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino formally introduced the group to the public in a ceremony at the Marquee Tent, Edsa Shangri-la Hotel, which was attended by former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos and was graced by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos.

The convenors of the group were Representatives Rida Robes (Lone District, City of San Jose del Monte), Divina Grace Yu (First District, Zamboanga del Sur), Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Nueva Vizcaya), Richard Gomez (Fourth District, Leyte), Johnny Pimentel (Second District, Surigao del Sur), Toby Tiangco (Navotas) and Rosanna “Ria” Vergara (Third District, Nueva Ecija) and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez.

Abalos, who was the keynote speaker, said the formation of the group was in response to the President’s call for unity and rejection of politics of division.

KNP convenors clarified that it is not a political movement but a socio-civic movement that aims to reach out to all sectors of society up to the grassroots level.

San Jose del Monte City Rep. Rida Robes, for her part all they want is for the group “to be inclusive and united in pursuit of a better Philippines.”

She said the gathering was only the beginning of a bigger plan to expand the organization.

“Today we are 200. Next month, 2,000...and in the days to come 20,000 to 200,000 to 2 million to 20 [million] and beyond. The growth is exponential until we embody our vision of a truly unified nation,” Robes said.

The group also envisions a government that is both transformational and transformed, she added.

“We are here to affirm our unwavering and full support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—in his call to collectively work for a better Philippines for all Filipinos regardless of political conviction, religion, motivations and creed,” she added.