Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, visits their supporters in Tagum City. PHOTO

Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Sunday launched their 2022 campaign headquarters in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The Marcos- Carpio tandem called ‘Uniteam’, joined the last part of a caravan and distributing some souvenirs.

“I confidently believe nga iyang experience nga mao na iyang magtabang sa iya sa pagkapangulo sa Pilipinas,” Duterte-Carpio said of her 64-year-old running mate.

Duterte-Carpio, 43, is running under Lakas-CMD, which she now chairs along with the Davao-based Hugpong ng Pagbabago regional party, while Marcos is under Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

The Davao City mayor said she accepted the offer to run as vice president because she realized she can help Filipinos in need.

The presidential bid of Marcos is being challenged by some groups over his tax evasion conviction a few decades ago. His camp describes the disqualification petition as a nuisance.

Marcos’ critics also mention the administration of his father, which was mostly through martial rule, marred with allegations of human rights violations and corruption. The family had either dismissed or downplayed the allegations.

Aside from the one in Davao del Norte, separate caravans were also held by supporters of Marcos in Ilocos Norte, Bataan, and Negros Occidental on Sunday.

Marcos said that compared to other caravans happening around the country, the Davao del Norte caravan is different as it is the place where change started and unity begins.

In a statement released by Marcos’ camp, the two aspirants said they would make Mindanao ” the country’s food basket” to help the area recover from the pandemic.

“Malakas ang potensiyal ng Mindanao dahil sa mayaman nitong lupa at magandang klima,” the duo said.

They cited Bukidnon as an example, which, according to them, is a major producer of rice, corn and sugarcane.

The tandem added that Mindanao also had the potential to strengthen the country’s agricultural exports.