ANTIQUE – Newly elected top officials of this province, Lone District’s Rep. Antonio “AA” Legarda and Governor-elect Paolo Javier, will officially assume their posts during a ceremonial oath-taking at 9 a.m. today, June 30, at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park.
Sen. Loren Legarda, the province’s former representative and a staunch advocate of Antique’s development, will serve as the guest of honor and will administer the oath of office.
Joining them in the inauguration are Uswag Ilonggo Party-list’s Rep. James “Jojo” Ang and other newly-elected local officials of the province.
Governor-elect Javier outlines vision for public service
Ahead of his formal assumption of office, Javier outlined his vision and immediate priorities for the province during a symbolic turnover ceremony on Friday, June 27, at the New Capitol.
In his address to Capitol department heads and employees, Javier emphasized what he dubbed the “Four Es” of governance: effective, efficient, economic, and empathy for the people.
The event marked the formal turnover of the “key of responsibility,” symbolized by the provincial banner, and the handover of essential governance documents.
The ceremony was witnessed by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Antique Director John Ace Azarcon.
“This is no longer about politics,” Javier declared. “Starting Monday, this is about delivering results for the people.”
Among Javier’s key initiatives is the elimination of hospital billings in all provincial government-run hospitals, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on Antiqueño families.
He also announced a proposed P500 monthly electric subsidy for over 115,000 households across the province — an ambitious program that underscores his commitment to inclusive governance.
Javier further pledged to continue successful initiatives from the administration of outgoing Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao, so long as they align with his guiding principles.
“She has done her best for the Antiqueños,” Javier said, lauding Cadiao’s contributions. “We will continue her programs — as long as they are efficient, effective, economic, and carried out with empathy.”
Javier also urged all capitol officials and staff to set aside political divisions and unite in service of the province.
“We’ll help each other for the betterment and development of Antique,” he said. “We are ready to serve. We are here to serve the Antiqueños.”
Cadiao, who could not attend the turnover, was represented by outgoing Provincial Administrator Atty. Nery Duremdes.
In her message read during the ceremony, the outgoing governor offered words of wisdom and support to her successor: “As you take on the responsibilities of governance, I offer you these words of advice: Lead with integrity, listen to the voices of the people, and always place their welfare above all else. The trust given by our fellow Antiqueños is a privilege that comes with great responsibility.”
The oath-taking ceremony marks not just a change in leadership, but a renewed commitment to the people of Antique — grounded in transparency, compassion, and proactive service./PN
