Robredo supporters challenge Solid North vote in Cagayan, Isabela

Supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo are actively campaigning to challenge the traditional "Solid North" vote for rival Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Cagayan and Isabela.

Robredo expressed nervousness about her first campaign visit to the "Solid North" region, but thousands of supporters welcomed her in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, chanting "Awan ti Solid North."

A grand rally in Echague, Isabela, on Saturday, March 12, 2022, drew an estimated crowd of 10,000 supporters.

The campaign team was initially apprehensive about breaking into the Marcoses' "Solid North" but was inspired by the successful Isabela rally to push through with planned sorties in Northern Luzon.

Following the success in Isabela, the team is now challenged to replicate it in Baguio City and is discussing plans to enter the Marcos strongholds of Ilocos and La Union.

Despite Marcos Jr.'s historical wins in Cagayan, Robredo's supporters in these provinces are noted for their bravery in opposing the established political current.

Political science professor Maria Ela Atienza suggests that the "Solid North" concept is eroding due to generational change, increased access to education and information, and the rise of new issues.

She further explained that the youth and organized sectors are challenging traditional campaign strategies and are less bound by regional loyalties and the directives of local politicians.