Kambilan is a Kapampangan word which means “Kalasag”in Filipino and “shield” in English. But for the majority of the local political leaders in Pampanga, KAMBILAN is an acronym for “Kapanalig at Kambilan ding Memalen Pampanga.” Literally, Kambilan is a local political party–a haven for political leaders who are one in character, courage and mission of safeguarding the Kapampangans against the occurrence of poverty, illnesses, illiteracy, calamities, among other situations that may threaten the well-being of the people. It is also designed to uplift the standard of living of the Kapampangans through active community participation in decision-making process. In short, people empowerment is the name of the game.
It is in this high spirit, Governor Lilia G. Pineda founded and re-launched the Kambilan party to consolidate its political strength and unify its efforts to fight poverty and bring progress for province-wide development.
The grand launch of Kambilan coincided with the Family Week Celebration to emphasize the importance of each and every family in community affairs and undertakings.
The governor considers Kambilan as one family who works together for the general welfare of the Kapampangans.
Nanay Gob believes that a strong Kambilan will succeed only if local government units will work together in harmony and unity.
The grand launch was attended by more than 5,000 local officials and members from the 508 barangays in the province wearing white T-shirts. Their oath-taking, administered by the governor, was done to signify their agreement and unison with the objective of Gov. Pineda and the party.
Prominent political leaders present on the occasion who took their oath as officers and members of the party were Vice-Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, board members, incumbent mayors, vice-mayors, councilors and aspiring leaders who want to run for the 2013 elections under the Kambilan Party.
Here is the list of Kambilan party officers:
Chairperson : Gov. Lilia Pineda
Executive VP : Joseller “Yeng” Guiao
VP for External Affairs : Rosve Henson
Secretary General : Romeo “Buddy” Dungca
District Chairpersons
1st District : Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales
(Mabalacat City)
2nd District: Mayor Eddie Guerrero (Floridablanca)
3rd District : Mayor Luisito Espino (Arayat)
4th District : Mayor Jerry Pelayo (Candaba)
Engr. Rosve Henson, vice president for external affairs and spokesperson of Kambilan, said the party is not affiliated to any national political party in order to stick on its principle of opening Kambilan to all Kapampangans who believe in the ideals of the party.
“Kambilan accepts members who are affiliated with different national political parties as long as they support the ideals of Gov. Pineda and the party,” Henson said.
Nanay Gob, in her message, appealed to the Kambilan members to avoid mudslinging and promote peaceful election in order to preserve good relations with other political candidates.
“Let us show the people that Kapampangan leaders are well-mannered by promoting a healthy competition between our rivals,” Pineda said to them.
(Jenna V. Lumbang, PIO – Pampanga)
