City Bets Join Comelec Unity Walk

By Mona Lagbas

March 26,2025, Cagayan de Oro_ A sea of different colors festooned the Rotunda Area Wednesday morning as local candidates converged for a unity walk and covenant signing.

Congressional, executive and legislative candidates from the city's two districts marched to the Community Amphitheater followed by their avid supporters.

Incumbent City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy and his son, Joaquin KapKik" await their turns for the signing of thenoeace covenant.

Amidst a loud mix of campaign jingles and hype people clad in their party colors, the local hopefuls attended a covenant signing program organised by the election officers of both districts.

Former Barangay 1 chairman and candidate for 2nd District councilor Anthony "Tony" Abejuela, right, marches with his party mates for the covenant signing Wednesday at the Community Amphitheater After a solemn prayer and the singing of the national anthem, the aspirants were called one by one to sign a symbolic manifesto wherein they pledged their cooperation for an honest, peaceful and orderly elections this May.

Officers of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office, led by PCol. Salvador Radam, also joined the activity, signalling their commitment to uphold a peaceful midterms in the city.Incumbent 1st District Congressman Lordan Suan and Barangay Carmen Chairman Joaquin Raineir Velez Uy were very cordial as they went upstage as their supporters rallied for them. This is their second bout after Suan defeated Uy in 2002.

As the candidates for city mayor were called on stage, only former local chief executive Oscar Moreno and former Phividec administrator Pompee La Viña shook hands. Incumbent mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy and Attorney Moreno did not exchange pleasantries nor shook hands.

Mayor Uy almost immediately left the event to attend to other matters while the Vice Mayoralty candidates and city council aspirants took turns in signing the manifesto.

Former Barangay Chairperson Gilda "Gigi" Go of CdO's 2nd District, left, poses with fellow city council hopefuls at the Community Amphitheater