Supporters of VP Leni Robredo hold caravan in Toronto

Supporters of VP Leni Robredo hold caravan in Toronto

Photos: JB Canchela

By Jonathan B. Canchela
The Philippine Reporter

TORONTO–Supporters of Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo joined the caravan of vehicles in Toronto as part of Pink Caravan of Hope held simultaneously in various cities across Canada on Sunday, November 14.

Organized by volunteers for Team Leni Robredo of Toronto, the caravan was in support of Robredo’s presidential candidacy and Senator Kiko Pangilinan’s bid for vice presidency respectively.

An estimated 250 vehicles gathered in four designated meet-up locations in Vaughan and Toronto before heading to Earl Bales Park in the area of Bathurst and Sheppard in Toronto, where a short program was held.

Days ahead of the event, organizers reminded participants to observe traffic rules and courtesy on the road, and follow social distancing at the park.

Supporters came not only from Toronto but from other municipalities and cities, including Brampton, Vaughan, Kitchener, Hamilton, Whitby, and Oshawa.

They came wearing pink shirts, masks, jackets, and a few of them showed up twinning in pink jumpsuits and sweatshirts. Vehicles were decorated with balloons, ribbons, art works, stickers, and banners all in pink – the campaign color of Robredo.

“I was surprised by the turnout because I just expected around 50 to 75 vehicles, but many supporters spontaneously showed up and joined the caravan,” said Von Canton, one of the organizers, who emphasized that organizing the event just happened in two weeks and mostly through the social media. “This really is a people’s initiative to help Leni Robredo.”

Reasons of support

Supporters have expressed their reasons and motivations why they support Leni Robredo to become the next president of the Philippines.

Edith Nieto and Tina Mendoza

“I support Leni Robredo because she’s matuwid, makatuwiran at makatao. Hindi s’ya corrupt at may malasakit sa taong bayan at ating bansa,” said Tina Mendoza, originally from Calamba, Laguna, who joined the caravan with Edith Nieto.

“Sawang-sawa na ako sa katiwalian ng government officials simula noong kapanahunan pa ng mga Marcos,” said Nieto. “Kaya kahit nandito kami sa Canada, sinusuportahan namin kung ano ang tama.”

“The Filipino people are privileged to have Leni Robredo in this present time,” said Tim Penarroyo, a volunteer who joined the event with his siblings and relatives. “Nakita ko ang kanyang ginawang pagtulong sa taong bayan lalo na sa masa – mga kababaihan, kabataan, pangkaraniwang mamamayan tulad ng magsasaka at mangngisda.”

“I’ve had a preview of how VP Leni would work for the Filipino people. Her personality alone, and leadership – it shows a lot. I think that VP Leni as head (of government) makes sense… para tayong mga Pilipino ay magsama-sama,” he added.

Message of hope

In a pre-recorded video message played at the park, Robredo thanked her supporters and encouraged them to reach out to others and do what is important: “Kausapin ang kayang kausapin, makinig, maging bukas, magmalasakit. Magtatagumpay tayo hindi sa pakikipagtalo kung di sa pag-ibig. Madaling makipagdebate, mas radikal ang magmahal.”

“Sa huli, tayo mismo ang pinaka mabisang daluyan ng mensahe natin dahil iisa lang ang pangarap na nagbibigkis sa atin – a better and more loving country built on the foundation of honest, competent, and compassionate leadership.”

Future initiatives

With winter just around the corner, organizers plan to hold indoor events in the coming months.

When asked what other events to be expected next, Canton said there are no definite plans yet, but “Sarong Banggi para ki Leni” concert is one of the initiatives being considered early next year.

Following the success of the caravan, organizers expect more supporters to come and join the next initiatives in helping the tandem of Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan.