Latest radio survey, the first after the filing of certificates of candidacy, conducted yesterday showed the edge of a humble candidate with feet on the ground amid professional achievements in the vice-gubernatorial race. Former provincial administrator Tomas Abapo Jr. gained the preference of 22 of the 43 respondents of dyRD's Radyo Merkado, aired every Saturday morning, for his being down-to-earth, approachable, experienced, seasoned and sincere public servant. Retired provincial schools division superintendent, Dr. Elpidio Jala got 15 votes, while Liga ng mga Barangay provincial federation president Concepcion Lim got 6.

Radyo Merkado, with phone-in program format, gathered the opinions of listeners on who would they vote for vice governor if the election would be held the next day. Like in the past surveys, listeners cited Abapo's untainted record as public servant during his past stints as Provincial Board member, as provincial legal officer and as provincial administrator, and his proven knack in governance in addition to his humility Abapo also topped in the last survey for vice governor before the filing of candidacy, while First District Rep. Edgar Chatto topped in the gubernatorial survey then. In yesterday's survey, some cited kindness, keenness on the problems or plight of the youth, and heart for the teachers in choosing Jala as their preferred vice governor. Those who chose Lim cited her edge as the head of barangay leaders, and money.