ANTIQUE – Gov. Paolo Javier and Lone District’s Rep. Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr. committed to fostering open communication and aligning efforts to ensure harmonious and effective governance in this province.
The two officials made the pledge during their joint inauguration and oath-taking ceremony on Monday morning, June 30, at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park in San Jose de Buenavista town.
Joining them were Uswag Ilonggo Party-list’s Rep. James “Jojo” Ang and other newly elected provincial officials. Sen. Loren Legarda served as the guest of honor and administering officer.
Gov. Javier’s vision of pro-Atiqueño
In his inaugural speech, Gov. Javier presented his vision of a pro-Antiqueño governance, guided by the principles of being effective, efficient, economical, and empathetic.
“The mandate you have entrusted to me is not merely a democratic victory, but a profound responsibility — one that I embrace with humility, determination, and a deep sense of duty to our beloved province,” Javier said.
Elaborating his 4Es guiding principle, he said that effective governance is about delivering visible and meaningful results that resonate with the people. While efficient leadership is driven by purpose, clarity, and productivity.
Moreover, economical governance, for him, involves discipline, foresight, and fairness, ensuring that every peso spent translates to real progress, especially for the most vulnerable. Lastly, empathy, according to Gov. Javier, is a strength that makes policies more people-centered, leaders more compassionate, and services more inclusive.
He also pledged to prioritize programs that reflect the shared hopes of Antiqueños, including a proposed monthly electric subsidy of P500 for over 145,000 households served by Antique Electric Cooperative and Aklan Electric Cooperative.
He announced plans to modernize the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital and other district hospitals by upgrading equipment and facilities, ensuring a steady supply of medical essentials, and implementing a zero billing policy for all Antiqueños.
On education, the governor promised inclusive access and support. He also vowed to enhance vital infrastructure including the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads to improve market access for farmers.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of sustainable agriculture and fisheries to achieve food security, and pledged to boost local tourism by preserving Antique’s cultural heritage and promoting its diverse destinations to local and international visitors.
“With the support of Sen. Loren Legarda — the pride of Antique — and the steadfast advocacy of Cong. AA Legarda and Rep. Jojo Ang, I am confident that these goals are within reach,” he concluded.
Cong. Legarda’s ‘serbisyo deretso sa tawo’ principle
In his inaugural address, Cong. Legarda emphasized that the mass oath-taking was not just ceremonial, but a shared commitment to uplift every Antiqueño’s life.
“At the heart of this is our guiding principle: Serbisyo Deretso sa Tawo — a promise of action, not just presence or praise. It means bringing government where it matters most — to our barangays, classrooms, markets, and homes.”
He paid tribute to his sister, Sen. Legarda, whom he credited for inspiring his service through her tireless advocacy and leadership.
“Because of her voice in the Senate, Antique has received life-changing programs in healthcare, education, tourism, livelihood, and disaster resilience,” he said. “Serbisyo Deretso sa Tawo is more than a slogan — it has become our way of leading with compassion and urgency.”
He recalled how, during his first term, he and Sen. Legarda focused on expanding opportunities for Antiqueños through improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, education, and livelihood.
Looking forward, he committed to working closely and collaboratively with the provincial government.
“We recognize that a harmonious relationship is key to effective governance. By aligning our efforts and maintaining open communication, we ensure that every form of government assistance reaches our people efficiently — minimizing overlap, reducing confusion, and maximizing impact,” he said.
The congressman concluded with a pledge to honor the trust placed in him: “The position you have entrusted to me is more than a title — it is a solemn responsibility. I will not let you down. I will continue the work started by my Manang Inday, Sen. Loren, and make sure your dreams, your voices, and your needs always guide our leadership.”/PN
