DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan - Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has strategically won to his side several administration allies and political mavericks in Pangasinan whose names are synonymous to “bangus ” (milk fish), “bagoong” (fish sauce), and “tupig” (grilled sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves), the province’s most famous produce.

During his two-day sortie here, Aquino strengthened his foothold in one of the so-called “Solid North” when he was openly endorsed by some of the brightest names and most influential public figures in Pangasinan including Dagupan City Mayor Alipio Fernandez, Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza, Rep. Victor Agbayani and former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani.

“I am honored to have them with me,” Aquino told reporters shortly after a successful rally at the Dagupan City plaza which was attended by more than 2,000 supporters.

Fernandez, one of the closest political allies of President Arroyo in Pangasinan, gave Aquino’s entourage a red-carpet welcome in Dagupan by practically wrapping the city with yellow ribbons.

Prior to his return to the mayorship of Dagupan in 2007, Fernandez served as undersecretary of the Interior and Local Government and later as commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. He was one of the leading stalwarts of the Lakas-NUCD under former President Fidel Ramos and even became head of the two nationwide associations concerning local governments, namely, the City Mayors’ League and the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP).

“He is my choice for President,” Fernandez told this writer, adding that he has known Aquino way back when the latter was still managing one of the family’s businesses.

When asked about his ties with President Arroyo, Fernandez said he maintains “good relationship” with her but admitted that he has not talked to her yet about his present affiliation with Aquino who is a fierce critic of the administration.

Unknown to many, Fernandez was originally a Liberal Party member just like any other big ticket politicians in the province like former speaker Herminio Perez and the late Ambassador Narciso Ramos, father of former President Fidel Ramos and former Senator Shahani.

Fernandez recalled that it was President Aquino who helped Dagupan when the city was severely damaged by a strong earthquake back in the early 1990’s. “This is also my way of thanking them (Aquinos),” he added.

As for Mayor Braganza, he was elated by the huge turnout of people who welcomed Aquino in Alaminos. “I was surprised with the reception of the people because Ilocanos are conservative by nature,” he said, adding that it was the first time such a mammoth crowd has come out voluntarily to  welcome a candidate, not since 1992 when Ramos came to Alaminos after winning the presidency.

Branganza is a nephew of Ramos.

He predicted that if the strong tide of support to Aquino will continue, “Alaminos will give him a landslide victory.”