VP Leni Robredo Visits Marang Marang in Basilan, First Presidential Candidate Ever

Vice President Leni Robredo took a boat that weaved through mangrove-lined waters to reach the remote community of Brgy. Marang Marang in Isabela City, Basilan on Thursday, March 17.

She was the first presidential candidate ever to visit the picturesque fishing village of a little more than 2,000 people.

Robredo said she had wanted to visit for a while, as she had long heard of the beauty of the place.

“Sobrang ganda, sobrang ganda ng inyong lugar na tingin po natin, 'yung mga kababayan natin na naghahanap ng bagong pupuntahan, grabe talaga 'yung makikita sa Basilan,” she said. “Ang kabutihan lang po nito, pag meron kasing mga pumupunta dito, nakakadagdag 'yun sa hanapbuhay ninyo.”

Women make up half the population in the village, and Robredo spoke to them directly.

“Alam natin na 'yung kultura ng mga Pilipino, 'yung mga kalalakihan 'yung laging naghahanapbuhay. Pero hindi po gustong sabihin na wala tayong puwedeng gawin habang naiiwan tayo sa ating mga bahay,” she said. “Isa din po 'yan sa tinitingnan natin, papaano ba natin matutulungan 'yung mga kababaihan na habang inaasikaso nila 'yung mga anak nila sa bahay, meron ding mapapagkunan ng hanapbuhay.”

Kaya, maraming puwedeng gawin pero, marami nang pagbabago sa Basilan at 'yung pagbabago, papunta na sa katahimikan at kabutihan,” she said. “Kaya sana, tuloy tuloy na ito, pagtulong-tulungan po natin.”

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