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THREE Dabawenyo politicians were among the first to praise the decision of Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to join the presidential race in 2010.

The Dabawenyo politicians said Aquino is a fresh breather to the world of Philippine politics.

But not all three are giving their support for the decision.

Former Davao del Norte vice governor Anthony del Rosario said Noynoy's decision is the answer to his (Anthony) prayers.

"My prayers were answered. Now there is hope for reforms. Now there is hope for a better future for my children. Now I am excited to be involved in the national 2010 elections. I am truly inspired and I hope that the rest of the country will open their eyes and feel as I do. God bless us all," del Rosario said.

Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang also welcomed Noynoy's decision and appealed to the Aquino camp to reach to other groups that are calling for change.

"I think he can give a good fight. I hope he will have the vice president from other party like the PDP-Laban's Jejomar Binay. And or the next step how to have a broad coalition of alliances to challenge GMA team. If Erap would withdraw, the political landscape will change and he (Noynoy) will win," Dayanghirang said.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles also welcomed Noynoy's decision but dismissed fears that it would affect the chances of the administration bet, whoever will be chosen.

"With highest respect and best wishes of good luck, good health, and god bless you. I personally welcome the formal entry of Senator Noynoy into the presidential race. Politically, he won't even lose his seat in the Senate even if eventually he does not make it. Historically, he carries the good name of his revered parents Cory and Ninoy. And frankly, this won't affect our Lakas Kampi party as we look forward to more and more opposition parties fielding their own presidential candidates. Maybe this will give our people a wider range of alternatives. But I find that this new development will really affect the opposition groups more than it does the administration party," Nograles said.

On Wednesday, Senator Aquino announced that he will run for president in 2010.

"Tinatanggap ko ang responsibilidad na ituloy ang laban sa bayan (I accept the responsibility to continue to fight for the country)," he said, adding that he is prepared to continue the fight that his parents started.

Noynoy said although he needed more time to think, his intention to run for the highest position in the land had to be announced Wednesday, the 40th day after the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

Asked about who his running mate will be, Noynoy said he is waiting for Senator Mar Roxas to agree to be his vice president. Roxas is president of the Liberal Party, of which Noynoy is also a member.

Present at the declaration were Noynoy's siblings -- Kris, Viel, Pinky, Ballsy -- and their husbands and children. The senator's girlfriend, Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad, was present.

Senators Rodolfo Biazon, Francis Pangilinan, Roxas, some congressmen, as well as officials during the term of former President Cory were also present. (With Sunnex)