Former Senator and senatorial hopeful Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has secured the endorsement of Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, making him the only non-Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas candidate to win her backing.

Garcia said her decision was rooted in a long-standing friendship that has stood the test of time and politics.

“He really went out of his way to greet me and check in. He even asked me to say hi to Pablo John. I was so touched by that gesture,” Garcia shared during a gathering of barangay captains and mayors from Cebu’s 5th and 6th districts.

“That shows you the kind of person he is,” she added.

Garcia’s endorsement came just ahead of Pangilinan’s “Kita-Kiks sa Cebu Rally” at Plaza Independencia, Cebu City. Big names like Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, Piolo Pascual, Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, Pinky Amador, and Darren Espanto are set to perform, with Pooh and Nikki Valdez hosting. The pre-program kicks off at 4:30 p.m., with the main event at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) officially named Pangilinan and former Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto as Local Agri Champions, recognizing their unwavering support for Filipino farmers and their strong legislative track records.

“We’re confident these candidates will champion pro-agriculture laws and protect the sector from harmful policies,” said SINAG chairman Rosendo So.

SINAG highlighted several key laws that the candidates have either authored or supported, including the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which cracks down on large-scale smuggling and hoarding; the Rice Tariff Law Enhancements, which increased farmer allocations to P30 billion annually; the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which canceled P57 billion in unpaid land amortization; and the Food Safety Act, which ensures 100 percent inspection of imported agri-food products at entry points.

“These aren’t just promises,” So emphasized. “These laws have made a real difference for our farmers.”