OLONGAPO BETS SET ASIDE POLITICAL DIFFERENCES, JOIN UNITY WALK

UNITY BEYOND POLITICAL DIFFERENCES. ABC president Eche Ponge, a mayoral aspirant, and other candidates for different positions in Olongapo City, join a Unity Walk that aims to promote solidarity and cooperation among local leaders for the 2025 midterm elections. PHOTO BY KEVIN GALANG

BY KEVIN GALANG

CANDIDATES for mayor, vice mayor and councilor in Olongapo City recently set aside their political interests and joined a Unity Walk for a peaceful, credible and orderly May 12, 2025 elections.

Four mayoral aspirants – incumbent Mayor Lenj Paulino, ABC president Eche Ponge, Vice Mayor Jong Cortez, and Arnold Vegafria,- along with their supporters, recently gathered at the Olongapo City National High School Quadrangle.

The political aspirants then walked towards the SMX Function Hall at SM Olongapo Central, symbolizing a collective commitment for a peaceful, honest and orderly polls.

Ponge, known for being kind, generous and helpful to her constituents, vowed to continue the good and quality public service.

Vice mayoral candidates Rodel Cerezo, Gina Perez, Prudie Jalandoni, Kaye Legaspi, and Luigi Lipumano, and  city council aspirants from various political parties were also present in the event.

Among the early arrivals were councilor hopefuls Ying Anonat, Randy Sionzon Jr., Donald Aquino, Rody Catologan, Noel Atienza, and Rowel Catigawan.

Rolen Paulino Sr., director of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA),  Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) city director Zotico Villanueva, and several barangay officials also graced the occasion,  further emphasizing its bipartisan nature.

The Unity Walk, a community-driven initiative, aims to foster understanding and goodwill among candidates and their supporters, reinforcing the message that public service transcends political differences.