ILOILO — Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque on Monday took her oath of office. The ceremony, held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City, also saw the formal swearing-in of re-elected Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who begins his third and final term.
“Lee Ann Debuque will be the game changer in the province of Iloilo,” she declared in her inaugural address.
Debuque, the former mayor of Anilao and running mate of Governor Defensor, garnered 547,462 votes or 51.95% of the total votes cast — pulling off a stunning victory over seasoned political figure, former vice governor and congressman Raul Tupas in the May 12 midterm elections.
Her win is seen as a pivotal moment in the province’s political landscape, signaling a broadening of voter support for fresh leadership.
“For the next three years, I am here to serve the province and people of Iloilo, to support the Governor’s social justice agenda. To ensure equitable distribution of resources in reaching for achievable targets on health, agriculture, and education. I’m here to serve, I’m here to work with you.”
Debuque expressed gratitude to her supporters and acknowledged the trust given to her, despite being relatively new on the provincial stage. She vowed inclusive and responsive leadership, focusing on addressing pressing issues and advancing development across all sectors.
Meanwhile, Defensor, who ran unopposed and received 811,746 votes, outlined a governance roadmap centered on agriculture, food security, education, and infrastructure.
“Siguradong pagkain, siguradong kalusugan. Agriculture is the source of food, proteins, and other. We want to make rice accessible to the people, we want to be part of the president’s drive to food security. We are trying to pursue practical solutions,” he said.
The governor emphasized the continued implementation of the province’s agriculture-health convergence program and cited plans to bolster government infrastructure, including the development of government centers in Sta. Barbara to house national government agency offices. He also committed to advancing circumferential road projects and strengthening platforms in education.
“We want to maximize the agricultural sector. This includes creating a value chain for agricultural products and the process of generating employment and business for the province’s agricultural-tourism industry,” Defensor added.
The joint inauguration drew local officials, allies, and supporters. Debuque replaced Christine Garin, now the vice mayor of Guimbal town.
All winning officials in the province officially assumed office at 12 noon on June 30, 2025.
Others who also took their oath of office yesterday with Defensor and Debuque were the following:
Members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Iloilo
* 1st District — Rica Jane L. Garin and Jo Ann B. Germinanda
* 2nd District — June S. Mondejar and Rolito C. Cajilig
* 3rd District — Mark P. Palabrica and Jason R. Gonzales
* 4th District — Rolando B. Distura and Dominique Paul C. Oso
* 5th District — Nielito C. Tupas and Rolex T. Suplico
Members of House of Representatives
* 1st District – Cong. Janette L. Garin
* 2nd District – Cong. Kathryn Joyce F. Gorriceta
* 3rd District – Cong. Lorenz R. Defensor
* 4th District – Cong. Ferjenel G. Biron
* Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Cong. James “Jojo” A. Ang
A mass oath-taking administered by Governor Defensor Jr. sworn in municipal mayors and vice mayors./PN
