Bagumbayan Party presidential candidate Sen. Richard ‘Dick’ J. Gordon and running mate former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando were welcomed by political and civic leaders, led by former Baguio City mayor Ramon ‘ Jun’ Labo, Jr., together with professional and youth groups, over the weekend in the Pines City.

Some 5,000 residents, led by Labo, barangays officials including chairman, kagawad and barangay tanods, met the “Transformers” group who spoke and called for change and reform, not only in governance but also in the character and way of life of Filipinos.

“Kailangan natin and tunay na edukasyun na may pagrespeto sa ating sarili; pagkakataon para sa karapat-dapat; tunay na pagmamahal at paggalang sa Diyos at sa ating kapwa; walang humpay na pagtatangka at pagsusumikap ng Pilipino na paunlarin ang Pilipinas sa pamamagitan na ating sariling mga kamay at paa,” said Gordon.

”In many instances, employment abroad by overseas Filipino workers has destroyed some marriages and families. This would be prevented if we have enough employment opportunities here for Filipinos,” he said.

For his part, Fernando underscored the importance of “discipline” that must be ingrained in the hearts and minds of Filipino. “Ang tunay na disiplina ay epektibong elemento para sa pagbabago ng ugali ng isang tao. Ito rin and huhubog sa kanya tungo sa pag-unlad,” Fernando said.

The “cry for change and reform” in Baguio, spearheaded by Labo, barangay officials led by their directors, coincided with the birthday of Labo, a two-time winner in Baguio City mayoral polls.

Labo, chairman of KBL Baguio Chapter and a key factor in the so-called “Solid North,” and also former Lions International district governor, endorsed Gordon and Fernando, declaring the tandem to be deserving of the highest and second highest posts in the land. Labo is reportedly leading a poll survey in the city against nine mayoral aspirants.