Robredo tells supporters: ‘Hindi pa tapos ang laban’

Hours after assuming the country's second highest post, Vice President Leni Robredo joined her supporters at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Thursday for a thanksgiving celebration filled with musical performances from various artists.

Robredo also used the occasion to ask the public to support her once more, as she embarks on a six-year journey as vice president. 

“Hindi pa po tapos ang ating laban. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo,” she said in a speech, as the crowd cheered her on. 

VP Robredo says thanksgiving party an extension of her inauguration. pic.twitter.com/BrzZfTLqLF

— R-A. Dioquino (@AicaDioquino) June 30, 2016

“Marami pong hadlang. Marami pong kahirapan pero sanay naman tayo dyan. Kung narating natin ang tagumpay sa eleksyon, makakamtan po natin kahit ano kapag nilagay natin ang puso natin doon.”

Upon her assumption to office, Robredo immediately appealed for national unity and vowed to bring government support to poor and far-flung villages. 

Robredo supporters line up to get inside the venue of the thanksgiving party. pic.twitter.com/DGV87UdB6H

— Virgil Lopez (@virgillopez) June 30, 2016

She said her work in her new position will focus on alleviating hunger, ensuring improvement in healthcare, growth in rural areas, education, and people empowerment.

“Maraming maraming bagay na pwede natin magawa para sa ating kapwa. Wala po tayong panahon para sa hindi magaganda,” the vice president said. 

Robredo also recalled her tough and bumpy ride to the vice presidency, saying there was a time when some people had already counted her out in the six-way race. 

The former Camarines Sur lawmaker, however, silenced all naysayers as she transformed from a cellar dweller in surveys to a main contender just weeks before the May 9 election. 

Many of Robredo's supporters were not able to witness her inauguration at the Quezon City Reception House due to limited space, prompting organizers to mount a post-inaugural event, which was billed “Isang Pasasalamat.” 

Attendees were given free snacks and a pair of yellow socks bearing the vice president's name.

They were also treated to performances of artists such as Darren Espanto, Erik Santos, Sam Concepcion and Kapuso talent Aicelle Santos, one of the cast members of hit musical “Rak of Aegis.”

“Masayang masaya ako na nandito kayo ngayon. Ramdam na ramdam ko po ang inyong pagmamahal,” Robredo said.

Among those who took part in the event were Robredo's campaign manager, Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV and Viel Aquino-Dee, sister of former President Benigno Aquino III. — BAP, GMA News