Who is the top presidential pick of young Kagay-anons?

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Fifteen presidents have passed — 13 of them were from Luzon, two were from Visayas, but none from Mindanao. Is it high time for a president from Mindanao to shine?

This is the point raised by some Kagay-anon millennials when asked who they will be voting for in the coming 2016 national elections. 

Many of them said Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte should rise to the challenge, to replicate what he already did in Davao throughout the country. Duterte has been the face of many things but to his supporters, he is the face of big change.

‘Change is coming’

Operating photocopying machines is the bread and butter of 23-year-old Grace Walingin. She is not a stranger to life’s struggles because of her work. When asked about her presidential bet, she automatically replied with “Duterte” with a smile on her face.

“Masolban niya ang problema diri sa Pilipinas. Mutuo ko niya kay tungod sa iyang experience ug background niya sa Davao.”

(He can solve the problems of the Philippines. I believe him because of his experience and background in Davao.)

This was echoed by 20-year-old Joy Picando, a clerk at a convenience store who pledged to vote for Duterte.

“Kay s’yempre, taga-Mindanao, supportahan. Then, ganahan ko sa iyang platform. Di ko bet ang uban. Okay lang ko kay Poe, pero kay Duterte g’yud ko.”

(Of course he is from Mindanao so I support him. Then, I like his platform. I don’t bet on other candidates. I find Poe, okay, but my vote does belong to Duterte)

As for Manuel Bacungan, 19, a Sociology student, he is quite undecided. But furthers: “If karon ko mag-vote, si Duterte akong i-vote because I think na it’s hightime na naa ta’y president mag-break sa status quo. I think Duterte, as a president, will bring forth change in (his) ways and perhaps, he is not ‘usual president’ we’d expect. I think he has the capability to do it, even if he has a lot of detractors.”

(If I were to vote today, I would choose Duterte because it’s hightime for us to have a president who will break the status quo.)

In a recently released survey, conducted by the Kinaadman Research Center, Duterte continues to dominate CDO voters as his numbers rise from 48% to 59%. (READ: Duterte maintains significant lead in CDO survey.)

Second to the mayor was Senator Grace Poe, whose numbers decreased from 19% to 16%. Poe is in a statistical tie with Mar Roxas, who gained only 1% from 13%. Vice President Jejomar Binay faced a massive drop in numbers, leaving him in fourth place with 16% down to 9. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago finished last with 1%.

Funded by Xavier University, the 2nd KRC election survey used systematic random sampling in selected households, with a sample size of 1,000, allocated proportionately in Districts 1 and 2 of CDO. 

Biyaheng Duterte stirs

Biyaheng Duterte, a 30-day caravan led by Duterte’s ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman and daughter Sarah “Inday” Duterte-Carpio, came to Cagayan de Oro City on May 3.

On behalf of Rodrigo Duterte, the caravan is dedicated to thanking his supporters from different regions in Visayas and Mindanao.

Though it was just the two of them, they were warmly received by Kagay-anon voters.

Arriving in Balingoan port at 11 AM from Camiguin, the caravan made a nonstop trip through the national highway, while being received warmly by anticipating supporters from each municipality.

A mini-rally was set by the Centrist Democratic Party at Barangay Nazareth gym, coloring the area orange for the night. CDP supports the Duterte’s presidential bid. (READ: Who will sit on the throne of Cagayan de Oro City?)

The scene was likened to a concert, with the crowd cheering just to see the daughter of the man whom they believe will bring forth change.

Of the big support for Duterte in the city, Bacungan said: “The idea of this unconventional kind of president will probably make room for more improvements in our country. Duterte gives us the idea of change, and I believe that he can bring change.”

Will the youth’s vote in CDO translate into tangible results on May 9? – Rappler.com 

Alyssa Michelle Viado is a Rappler intern based in Cagayan de Oro City, studying Development Communication at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.