Legarda calls on Antique leaders to serve with honor and carry constituents’ hopes

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Senator Loren Legarda reminded the elected local government officials in the Province of Antique to stay true to their mandate and lead with integrity, compassion, and accountability.

In her keynote speech during the inauguration of new elected officials at EBJ Freedom Park in San Jose de Buenavista on Monday, June 30, the senator reminded the officials that success will not be measured by the power of position, but by the lives they uplift through public service.

She also emphasized that they were elected through a sacred democratic process, which should be honored through quality public service.

“Ang pamumuno ay hindi tungkol sa kapangyarihan, kundi sa pananagutan at sa mga buhay na nabigyan ng dignidad at higit na kabuluhan. Ito ay nasusukat sa ating kakayahang magkaisa at magtulungan para sa iisang layunin,” Legarda said.

“Sa ating mga kasimanwa, we are here not as leaders above you, but as leaders among you. Ang ating hangarin ay wagas na paglilingkod para sa ating mga kasimanwa,” she continued.

Legarda administered the oath of office to Antique Representative Antonio “AA” Legarda, Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Representative Jojo Ang, and Governor Paolo Everardo Javier, in addition to other newly elected and re-elected officials.

It may be recalled that the four-term senator previously served as Antique’s Representative in the House from 2019 to 2022, where she led projects focusing on education, healthcare, and livelihood.

She also reflected on how Antique has been serving as a source of her strength since she was first elected senator at the age of 38.

“Public office will demand your time, your strength, your comfort, and often, your peace of mind. But if you carry it with honor, integrity, compassion, and accountability, it will give you something far greater than power. It will give you purpose,” asserted Legarda.

“We are here to show up, make difficult yet smart decisions, and carry the weight of responsibility. We cannot afford to make mistakes, because this is the life we chose, and we must honor it with hard work and courage.”

Under Legarda’s leadership, Antiqueños have seen improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood.

Among her key programs and projects are the establishment of the University of the Philippines Visayas campus in Pandan, as well as the construction of nine hospitals across the province, the new Antique Airport, and the Antique Convention Center.

The improvement and construction of roads, bridges, and facilities led to a connection between communities and markets, as well as opportunities.

Moreover, thousands were provided with sustainable livelihood through various micro, small, and medium enterprise opportunities.

“Ang ating hangarin ay wagas na paglilingkod para sa ating mga kasimanwa. Hindi kami titigil sa pagsisilbi, dahil sa bawat batang nangangarap, bawat pamilyang umaasa, at bawat Antiqueñong nagtitiwala ay karapatdapat lang mapagsilbihan ng mga lider na hinding hindi sila iiwan,” concluded Legarda.

“At sa tulong ng Maykapal, padayon ang serbisyo diretso sa tawo!”