MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net/26 June 2025) – A shared focus on making a meaningful impact emerged as a common call from both Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque and Vice Governor Clive Quiño during their respective inaugural speeches on Wednesday, June 26, following their oathtaking at the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex Auditorium in Laguitas, this city.
In his address, Gov. Roque cited what he described as “real and lasting” improvements achieved in five key sectors during his first term, largely crediting these gains to political unity.
“We have aligned our priorities, harmonized our initiatives, and most importantly, ensured that what we build today is not undone tomorrow,” he said in his 659-word speech, a copy of which he posted on his personal Facebook page.
Roque emphasized that public service is never easy and that impact, not power or position, is the true measure of leadership. He noted that such impact has been “made stronger” in Bukidnon because of unity, and pointed to the shared ideals under the “One Bukidnon” coalition in the 2025 local elections.
“This continuity in governance, free from partisanship, has led to real, lasting improvement in our roads, health systems, schools, agriculture, and peace and order,” he said, although he did not provide further details on accomplishments in the five areas.
Aside from the governor and vice governor, the members of Bukidnon’s congressional delegation and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also took their oaths of office before Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri.
Gov. Roque added that his administration has helped build a culture of governance “where plans, policies, and projects were not dictated by politics but by a shared vision for the greater good.”
He vowed to put young people, indigenous communities, farmers, workers, women, and senior citizens at the center of the provincial government’s mission.
“Everything we do must be for you, and because of you,” he said.
Calling on officials to work as teammates rather than rivals, the governor underscored the need to go beyond personal or political interests.
“Let us continue this momentum… Our opponent is not each other — but poverty, ignorance, injustice, and underdevelopment,” he said.
He also addressed Vice Gov. Quiño and the members of the provincial board: “Your wisdom and legislative foresight help shape the direction of our province. Let your work reflect not just the needs of the present, but the dreams of the future.”
In his speech earlier in the program, Vice Gov. Quiño assured the public of his support for the governor — “so far as the will and good sake of the people of Bukidnon is upheld front and center.”
Quiño pledged to lead the Sangguniang Panlalawigan with greater courage, clarity, and compassion, and to go beyond what was achieved in his previous term. He cited milestones such as the ISO certification of the SP and scholarship programs for the youth.
Like Roque, he also stressed the importance of governance that delivers real impact.
“We will not be satisfied with merely passing ordinances. We will ask: What results do these bring to the people?” he said, adding that this discipline is “not to criticize but to be courageous enough to demand results — not to divide but to build stronger, more accountable governance.”
Roque and Quiño were from different political parties during the 2022 elections but ran together at the start of the 2025 elections under the “One Bukidnon” coalition.
In his speech, Quiño recalled a difficult moment when he learned he was no longer the official candidate for vice governor — calling it a personal test of faith, character, and purpose.
“We cannot always choose our circumstances, but we can always choose our response,” he said, describing his second term not as a badge of power but as a symbol of grace and renewal.
He also called on his colleagues in the SP to rise to the expectations that come with their ISO certification.
“We have much to do. But today, let us begin again — with open hearts, with hands across the divides,” he said.
Senator Zubiri, who administered the oaths of office, called on the province’s leaders to focus on moving forward.
“The elections are over. It is now time to remove the barriers between us and focus on the development at hand,” he said. (BukidnonNews.Net)