ILOILO – A changing of the guard unfolded at the Iloilo provincial capitol as seven members of the 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) officially delivered their farewell messages during the body’s final regular session on June 24, 2025 — signaling the end of their legislative roles due either to term limits or their candidacies in the recent elections.
Among those who exited the Provincial Board were officials who either completed their third and final terms or sought other elective posts in the May 12 midterm elections. Some succeeded, while others fell short in their bids.
Those who gave their valedictory addresses were:
* Vice Gov. Christine Garin, who won as vice mayor of Guimbal;
* Marcelo Valentine Serag (1st District), who lost his mayoral race in San Joaquin;
* Matt Palabrica (3rd District), who was elected mayor of Bingawan;
* Domingo Oso, Jr. (4th District), who completed his third term;
* Binky Tupas (5th District), now the first congresswoman of the 5th District;
* Carol V. Espinosa-Diaz (5th District), who lost her mayoral bid in Ajuy;
* Ramon Sullano, outgoing Philippine Councilors’ League – Iloilo chapter president, who was elected vice mayor of Santa Barbara.
In her farewell address, Vice Governor Garin expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fellow board members, the SP secretariat, and employees of the vice governor’s office for their cooperation over her nine years in office, which she said made her job lighter.
“To the people of Iloilo, thank you very much for the trust and confidence you gave me. Your warm welcome in your barangays, homes, and conversations from the first to the fifth district — thank you,” she said.
Garin also extended her appreciation to the Defensor family, particularly former governor Arthur Defensor Sr. and current Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., for taking her in as their running mate. She likewise thanked the province’s congressmen and congresswoman for their full support throughout her vice-governorship.
Following the final session, a “Despidida and Bienvenida” ceremony was held inside the SP session hall to honor both outgoing and incoming members of the provincial board.
The new 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan will be led by Vice Governor-elect Nathalie Ann Debuque and composed of:
* 1st District – Rica Jane Garin, Jo Ann Germinanda
* 2nd District – Rolito Cajilig, June Mondejar
* 3rd District – Jason Gonzales, Mark Palabrica
* 4th District – Rolando Distura, Dominic Oso
* 5th District – Dr. Darl Tupas, Rolex Suplico/PN
