RAUL G. Mabanglo officially took his oath as governor of Davao de Oro on June 29, 2025, during a public inauguration at the Capitol Grounds. He was joined by family, supporters, and local leaders. The event was briefly interrupted by rain, which cleared just before he delivered his message.
The oath was administered by his brother, Nabunturan barangay captain, and Liga ng mga Barangay President Mark Chan. Mabanglo said the gesture was symbolic of where his political journey began.
“Some may ask why a barangay captain led the oath-taking. It’s simple, I started as a captain, too. That’s where this all began,” he told the crowd.
In his speech, Mabanglo thanked his wife, Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora, for standing by him during difficult moments. “Even when I didn’t know what to say during hard days, she kept asking me, ‘How are you?’ and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” said Mabanglo.
He also acknowledged his father-in-law and political mentor and father-in-law, Mayor Manuel “Wa’y Kurat” Zamora. “You told me we needed a leader, and I never hesitated to say yes—partly because you said I was already a Zamora,” he added, drawing laughter and applause. “(Dad)dy, you served for fifty-one years and won seventeen elections without a loss. Now is your time to rest. You can proudly say your son-in-law is now governor, your daughter is a congresswoman, your second son is mayor, your first grandson is a senior board member, and your second—and most handsome—grandson is now a municipal councilor.”
Mabanglo asked for understanding from his siblings, who were pulled into political issues during the campaign. “You were not used to this kind of life, but it’s part of politics,” he said.
He recognized the role of barangay captains, municipal officials, and volunteers who supported Team Lambo. “From the start, you were my source of strength. Thank you for standing by me,” he said. “We struggled at the beginning. We struggled in the middle. And we struggled even toward the end. But when we got to the finish line, we realized that while we were struggling, our opponents struggled even more. And the people chose us.”
The governor recalled growing up in a family of public school teachers who never pushed him toward politics.
The governor shared his humble origins as a child of two public school teachers, who urged him to choose a profession like engineering or teaching, but never politics. “My parents only wanted me to finish school and become a professional. They said, ‘Choose a course—engineer, doctor, architect, or teacher. What matters is you use your profession as your mission.’ They never mentioned politics.”
He spoke about his 34 years in government service, working as an engineer under six governors in Davao del Norte. “I witnessed many changes in leadership styles, but one thing remained constant: my commitment to serve the people.”
He thanked former Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, who mentored him early in his career and was unable to attend due to illness.
Mabanglo said his priorities include better roads, stronger agricultural support, improved access to water, and quality education. “Now, I have the chance not only to dream, but to act. This is the moment when our shared dreams become a shared reality.”
He also expressed thanks to his campaign team, staff, and supporters who stuck with him.
“To the 181 barangay captains who stood by me—out of 237—you have my deepest thanks. I won’t forget that.”
Mabanglo addressed his critics, thanking them for giving him the drive to push forward. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized that focusing on the people’s needs would guide his administration through difficult times.
He ended with a call for accountability, urging provincial employees to serve with efficiency and integrity, and to prioritize giving over personal gain. Kurt Rozal, CMU Intern