As Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental prepare for the joint oath-taking ceremonies on Monday, June 30 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center, we mark not only a formal transition of leadership but the beginning of a new chapter in the life of our Province and its capital City.
July 1 signals the assumption of office of the newly-elected officials—some fresh faces, others familiar names returning with renewed mandates.
For those stepping into public office for the first time, we express our sincere hopes that you bring with you new ideas, bold initiatives, and the passion to turn campaign promises into concrete progress. May your leadership be rooted in listening to your constituents, upholding transparency, and prioritizing the welfare of every Dumagueteño and Oriental Negrense.
For those retained in their posts, this new term is not just a continuation—it is a renewed trust from the people. We hope this second (or even third) chance at leadership brings fresh energy, and a deeper sense of responsibility to build on the gains of your previous term. There is always more to do, with more ways to do it better.
We recognize that every administration will have its own vision, set of goals, and preferred strategies to reach them. And change—inevitable as it is in every democratic exercise—is welcome.
But change must be thoughtful. Let us not be so quick to discard the good. Let us resist the temptation to politicize progress, or to erase what has been achieved just because it was previously done under a different name.
Instead, let us build on what worked, learn from what didn’t, and collaborate across political lines for the benefit of the people.
Leadership is not about titles, nor is public service about power.
Elections are over. We hope none of you will be carrying the unnecessary baggage of hurts and disappointments of the past. You have won. You have the mandate. Use that to pull people and communities up, not to put them down.
As these newly sworn-in officials raise their right hands and recite their oaths, let us remember that they are pledging not just loyalty to the Constitution, but fidelity to the dreams and daily struggles of the people they serve.
As citizens, let us also do our part—not just in holding our leaders accountable, but in being active participants in building our communities. This government, like all others before it, will face challenges. But with unity, goodwill, and shared purpose, we can make Dumaguete and Negros Oriental an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
Let the new term begin—with hope, with resolve, and with a shared commitment to progress.
