BY NELJOY GALIGAO
ILOILO – A senior high school student from a small barangay school in Guimbal town has emerged as Iloilo’s top young leader, besting 155 other aspirants to clinch the coveted title of Girl Governor for 2025.
Vanessa Jane Loraña of Camangahan National High School outshone competitors from across the province in a rigorous selection process of the Boy and Girl Officials program, part of the Provincial Youth Week celebration.
The initiative, organized by the Provincial Federation of Youth Councils (PPSK) Iloilo, pairs selected youth leaders with their official counterparts in the provincial government to promote youth participation in governance.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. will serve as Loraña’s counterpart during her tenure.
“Faith over fear” is the mantra that carried her through the selection stages, which included paper screening, essay writing, and panel interviews.
From 155 applicants, only 45 advanced to the final rounds, where Loraña impressed judges with her vision for youth advocacy and her genuine passion for leadership.
“My credentials were limited, and my essays were written in a hurry — only 15 minutes long. I knew I wasn’t the smartest or most eloquent student, but despite my doubts, worries, and fears, there was one thing I was certain of: my love for leadership. I have a mantra: ‘faith over fear.’ The only thing that has kept me going is the belief of those who support me and my own faith,” Loraña said.
Loraña, president of her school’s Supreme Student Government, is also an accomplished parliamentarian, debater, and campus journalist. She hopes her story inspires other students — especially from community-based schools — to believe in their capabilities despite limited resources.
Alongside Loraña, 14 other youth leaders from Iloilo’s five districts were named to key posts, including Vice Governor Charlene Anne Gargaritano of Tubungan National High School.
Here are the other youth officials (Provincial Board Members):
* 1st District – Cassie Rhain Aparri (Guimbal National High School) and Princess Mae Salaysalay (Oton National High School)
* 2nd District – Raine Gener (Pavia National High School) and Hanica Kim Porras (Pavia National High School)
* 3rd District – Franz Deonn Bedaño (Badiangan National High School) and Paolo Castillare (Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School)
* 4th District – Rea Mae Teologo (Tigbauan National High School) and Clemence Marie Alag (Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School)
* 5th District – Alex Kriel Noquez (Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School) and Jecha Marie Manadero (Maasin National Comprehensive High School)
* Philippine Councilors League girl president – Althea Gumban (Iloilo National High School)
* League of Municipalities of the Philippines girl president – Mary Devine Almacen (Alimodian National Comprehensive High School)
* PPSK boy president – Audy Jaime Genona (Pavia National High School)
PPSK Iloilo president Esara Aldeguer Javier said the three-day program will immerse the young officials in legislative work, allowing them to draft ordinances and resolutions that could be adopted by the provincial government.
The Boy and Girl Officials program is an annual platform designed to recognize youth talent, foster leadership skills, and strengthen the voice of the province’s next generation of leaders./PN
