Manny Pacquiao Rallies Iloilo with a Call for Unity and Sustainable Livelihoods
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ILOILO CITY – Boxing icon and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao energized the crowd at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas second campaign rally, delivering a heartfelt speech about his personal struggles, his vision for the country, and his commitment to helping Filipinos rise from poverty.
Pacquiao opened his speech with gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to address the people of Iloilo. He shared his own journey from extreme poverty to success, recalling the hardships of sleeping on the streets with only a cardboard mat and experiencing days without food.
“Bago po ako naging Manny Pacquiao, dumaan po ako sa pinakamahirap na sitwasyon ng pamilya,” he said, underscoring his deep understanding of poverty.
The former senator and eight-division world champion stressed his advocacy for providing affordable housing, sustainable livelihoods, and free education for underprivileged Filipinos.
He emphasized his plan to push for increased funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which he sees as a key driver of job creation.
“God willing, kung ako ay makabalik sa Senado, sisiguraduhin ko na magkaroon ng pondo para sa sustainable livelihood programs upang mapalakas natin ang SMEs at makapagbigay ng trabaho sa milyun-milyong Pilipino,” Pacquiao declared.
He also highlighted his desire to leave a lasting legacy, not just in sports but in uplifting the lives of Filipinos, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s transformation under Lee Kuan Yew.
“Kapag sinabi mong Singapore, naaalala natin si Lee Kuan Yew dahil nag-iwan siya ng legasiya na nakatulong sa mga susunod na henerasyon. ‘Yan din ang gusto kong gawin para sa ating bansa.”
Pacquiao closed his speech with a call for unity, urging fellow Filipinos—especially those in positions of influence—to work together to provide homes, livelihoods, and education for the less fortunate.
“Hindi tayo forever dito. Lilipas lang din tayong lahat, kaya sana magkaisa tayo para umunlad ang bawat Pilipino,” he said.
With his message of hope and action, Pacquiao reinforced his commitment to building a better future for Filipinos, making it clear that his fight is far from over—this time in his senate comeback. (CESAR MORALES)
