The Iloilo Provincial Government is marking its 125th Semana sang Iloilo by looking back at its recent triumphs and a bold commitment to level up its service to the Ilonggos.
This year’s celebration is guided by the theme, “Iloilo @125: Pagsaulog sang Padayon nga Kauswagan, Kapag-un, kag Kadalag-an.”
Gov. Arthur Defensor. Jr., Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque, and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias led the awarding ceremony to honor the offices and hospitals which received major accolades in 2025.
Defensor expressed profound gratitude to the provincial government workforce, attributing Iloilo’s recent successes to a collaboration with the national government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
“For the past six years and in the process of achieving these awards and recognition, I would like to thank our Iloilo provincial government family, especially our department heads, our partners in the national government agencies, the private sector, and our Sanggunang Panlalawigan,” Defensor said.
Defensor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to a whole-of-province approach to development encapsulated in his social justice agenda MoRProGRes Iloilo or a Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally-Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo.
The governor also offered a lighthearted apology to the department heads for his demanding leadership style.
“Please bear with me sometimes if I am pushing too hard. Bear with me because I have a favor to return to the people. I am pressured to deliver. And because I am pressured, nagakaumid kamo tanan. So pasensyahanay lang kita,” the governor said.
Beyond trophies and certificates, the governor noted that the true measure of success is the surge in support and engagement from the national government and other partners.
“They have confidence in how we executive. That is why we are getting very good support from our partners,” Defensor said.
Defensor said the provincial government will continue to improve to ensure that every award won translates into an efficient and transparent governance for every Ilonggo.
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