SENATOR Loren Legarda administered the oath of office to newly elected officials of the Province of Antique during an inauguration ceremony held at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park at 9 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025.
Among those sworn in were Congressman Antonio “AA” Legarda Jr. of the Lone District of Antique, Congressman James “Jojo” Ang Jr. of the Uswag Ilonggo Partylist, and Governor Paolo Javier.
Also taking their oath were 17 municipal mayors, vice mayors, councilors, and Sangguniang Bayan members from across the province, in a public event attended by supporters, families, and constituents.
“This is not only a swearing-in of leaders but a reaffirmation of the trust placed in you by our people,” said Senator Legarda during her keynote speech.
“Congratulations must now give way to commitment. What comes next is the real work. 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 purpose,” she added.
Legarda emphasized the need for purpose-driven leadership, recalling her own journey as a four-term senator and her long-standing dedication to Antique.
She reminded the newly elected leaders of their role as stewards of hope and transformation.
She cited how Antique has moved from the margins to a province recognized for resilience and determination.
Legarda also highlighted concrete accomplishments such as the establishment of the University of the Philippines Visayas-Pandan Campus, support for the University of Antique, scholarships, and the funding of nine public hospitals across the province.
Governor Paolo Javier declared his administration’s core leadership philosophy anchored on what he calls the "4 E’s": Effective, Efficient, Economical, with Empathy.
“Leadership is not measured by power, but by purpose and impact,” Javier said in his inaugural address. “The mandate you have entrusted me is not merely a political victory; it is a profound responsibility—one that I embrace with humility, determination, and a deep sense of duty to our beloved province.”
He outlined each pillar of his governance approach:
Effective leadership that delivers real, visible results;
Efficient decision-making that prioritizes clarity and accountability;
Economical management with fiscal discipline and fairness; and
Empathetic leadership that ensures inclusivity and prioritizes the needs of vulnerable sectors.
Javier said his experience as a former congressman will guide him in confronting the new challenges of provincial leadership.
“The same passion that fueled my commitment to public service will continue to drive my dedication to the people of Antique,” he said.
Senator Legarda and Javier both underscored that Antique’s growth must be sustained through bold, compassionate, and principled leadership. Both leaders encouraged the newly sworn officials to lead not only with competence but with heart. (Leo Solinap)