BATANGAS CITY (PNA) -- As the campaign for the local elections begins today, the ruling coalition draws on the support of its own local bets to boost the presidential bid of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Presidential campaign spokesman Michael Defensor said the Koalisyon ng Katapatan at Karanasan sa Kinabukasan (K-4) saw the solid backing of its local candidates as the "ace" that would deliver President Arroyo's victory.

"There are many areas where local candidates support the President. These are the areas where other parties have no local bets," Defensor said in an interview.

The ruling coalition has set four political rallies in Quezon City and Manila tonight, marking the start of the campaign period for local bets.

Even before the political rallies began, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo already endorsed this morning, the candidacy of congressional bet, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas.

The President was at the Batangas International Port in Barangay Sta. Clara to grace the ceremony marking the final works in the Batangas Port Livelihood Center.

Though running unopposed in a congressional district in the province, Mandanas got the President's endorsement as he celebrated his birthday today, and kicked off his own campaign.

President Arroyo practically had nothing but praises for Mandanas in her speech at a ceremony for the commencement of the final works on the Batangas Port Livelihood Center just within the port area here.

Mandanas for his part, vowed to deliver a solid Batangas vote for the President, promising her landslide victory in the province.

Pangasinan local leaders, on the other hand, endorsed the President's candidacy, citing her "experience, intellectual capability, quality leadership, strong governance and good track record in dealing with the various problems besetting the country today."

Mrs. Arroyo holds a doctorate degree in economics from the University of the Philippines and has extensive experience in governance. She has served in key positions in the bureaucracy prior to her election to the Senate in 1992 and to the vice-presidency in 1998.

"We hope that with our unity in Pangasinan, we could deliver to the President the majority votes she rightfully deserves being a true daughter of the province," a group calling itself "Biskeg na Pangasinan (Strength of Pangasinan), stated.