Surigao Sur’s leaders set bold vision for progress
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, the newly elected and re-elected leaders of Surigao del Sur formally took their oath of office during the 2025 Joint Inauguration Ceremony held on June 28, at the Vicente T. Pimentel Jr. memorial gymnasium in Tandag City.
The event marked not just the ceremonial assumption of office, but a strong declaration of commitment to a development-driven and inclusive future for the province. Congressional, provincial, and Tandag City officials stood together before the judiciary, civil society, church leaders, and their constituents to affirm their dedication to public service.
Leaders of vision
Congressional Representative Romeo S. Momo Sr. (1st District) and Congressional Rep. Alexander T. Pimentel (2nd District) headlined the legislative team of Surigao del Sur, while Governor Johnny T. Pimentel and Vice Governor Manuel O. Alameda Sr. took the helm of the provincial government. At the city level, continuity in leadership was underscored with the re-election of Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel and Vice Mayor Eleanor D. Momo, along with ten members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Also present was Most Rev. Raul B. Dael, D.D., bishop of the Diocese of Tandag, who offered prayers and spiritual guidance during the solemn mass prior to the oath-taking ceremony. He called on elected officials to lead with compassion, justice, and truth.
Unity for development
In his message, Rep. Momo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Surigao del Sur for the trust they had given and underscored the urgent need for development in both land and air transportation. He cited the expansion of Tandag Airport as a priority project that could transform the province’s connectivity and economic landscape.
“The expansion is important to revive operations and enhance connectivity between our province and the rest of the country, and the world,” he said. Momo stressed the need to secure the land required for the runway extension, thanking the Tandag City LGU led by Mayor Roxanne Pimentel and Vice Mayor Eleanor Momo for pledging their full support in fast-tracking the land acquisition process.
He emphasized that the airport’s rehabilitation is not merely a transport project, but a gateway to greater economic activity, improved mobility, and tourism development, all of which would benefit the province’s communities.
Meanwhile, Rep. Pimentel called for the public to set aside political divisions and unite under a common purpose. “Only through unity can we move the province forward,” he said, assuring constituents of his continued legislative support for meaningful development.
A governor’s call for reconciliation
In his inaugural address, Governor Johnny T. Pimentel reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance, integrity, and responsive service. He promised to strengthen public programs in health, education, agriculture, peace and order, and climate resilience.
“I would like to assure the people of Surigao del Sur that as your new governor, tagaan ta kamo nan usa ka maligdung, sinsero, tarung og limpyo nga panggobyerno dinhe sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Sur (I will give you a stable, sincere, credible and clean government in the province),” he said.
Gov. Pimentel also confronted the province’s recent political divide. “Politics is very divisive. We all witnessed how our unity was fractured,” he said. “Now is the time for reconciliation. On this note, I offer my hand and my heart to our political rivals, as a sincere gesture of unity.” He called on everyone to work hand in hand to achieve the shared goal of uplifting the quality of life for all Surigaonons through accessible and honest public service.
A shared commitment
The presence of esteemed members of the judiciary, including executive and presiding judges from regional and municipal trial courts, lent solemnity and legal weight to the oath-taking. Throughout the event, the message was clear: progress demands unity, integrity, and collective effort.
As Surigao del Sur’s leaders embark on a new term, the people look ahead with cautious optimism, hoping that this fresh mandate will deliver on promises of connectivity, inclusivity, and prosperity for all. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
