Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, head of the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP), officially endorsed the gubernatorial candidacy of Leoncio Evasco, Jr. during the presidential daughter’s visit to Tagbilaran City on Wednesday.

Duterte, who led the Bohol-leg of the HnP’s campaign caravan, said that her political party supports Evasco who has been an ally of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, even when he was still mayor of Davao City.

“He has been there for President Duterte since sa pinaka-unang pagtakbo at election ni President Duterte and we are very thankful sakanya doon sa Davao City so we support him in his campaign and candidacy,” said Duterte during a brief interview with local media after the rally at the Holy Name University Oval.

For his part, Evasco thanked Duterte for supporting his candidacy and that of his running mate, Board Member Tomas Abapo, Jr.

Evasco believes that the endorsement will boost his candidacy.

He however said that he will not be complacent even after a few thousands thronged the HNU Oval for the HnP rally, noting that he will maintain efforts in his local campaign.

Meanwhile, national candidates of the HnP were also presented to the Boholanos including Senate reelectionists and returnees Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and newcomers Governor Imee Marcos and former journalist Jiggy Manicad. (A. Doydora)