SENATORIAL candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay has gained significant support from political leaders in Mindanao over the past two days as she visited major cities in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Caraga Region.

Binay was formally endorsed by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu on Saturday during her visit to Pagadian City. Mayor Macario Tingson of the municipality of Tukuran also signified his support for Binay’s senatorial bid.

During the Kuyog Ta! Zamboanga del Norte Grand Proclamation Rally in Dipolog City, Binay was formally endorsed by Dipolog City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Darel Dexter Uy.

Binay was also warmly welcomed by local officials and residents as she joined a motorcade led by Mayor Uy together with his partymates and supporters.

On Sunday, Binay visited Butuan City in the Caraga Region and was formally endorsed by 1st District Congressman Joboy Aquino during a meet-and-greet session with local officials.

Speaking before barangay captains, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and mayors from Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, Binay gave assurance that she will be the voice of local governments in the Senate and their staunch ally in empowering barangays and local government units throughout the country.

Binay reiterated her top three priorities as a senator, namely, the provision of free maintenance medicines, strengthening early childhood education, and tax-free overtime pay, bonuses, and incentives for both government and private sector workers.

She also vowed to push for major amendments in the 1991 Local Government Code aimed to strengthen governance at the grassroots level and promote equitable and inclusive development.