In a social media post that said much more than his acceptance message during the June 30, 2025 turnover ceremony, Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza declared the island province now stands at the threshold of a new era.
Fresh from defeat of the Cua brothers, the new provincial chief executive said that Catanduanes needs to overcome the shackles of dynasty, monopoly and widespread poverty.
He touted his platform for transformation, Padagos Na Patanos, that would prioritize serving the poor and the most in need.
Among the key programs in the platforms are the improvement of health services through annual diagnostic check-ups at the barangay level, free maintenance medicines, improvement of EBMC and district hospitals, empowering BHWs and 100% enrolment in PhilHealth’s Konsulta program for preventive and promotive medicine; protection of the environment, use of renewable energy and promotion of eco-tourism; conversion of Virac into a city through increased income and infrastructure improvement; promotion of an open economy for investors and establishment of economic zones; increase in the prices of abaca and copra, support for fisherfolks and protection of marine resources; digitization and improvement of internet connectivity; the “3C Friendship Bridge” in partnership with the two Camarines provinces;
Azanza also stressed that while he offers peace and unity to every politician in the province, it will be for doing things together for the people and not to protect those who need to be held accountable for past misdeeds.
“Good governance will be the hallmark of our new administration. We will prioritize transparency and accountability in all our dealings, ensuring that our people know how their resources are being used…,” he emphasized.
In asking for the people’s support to achieve the ambitious goals, he reiterated his call for unity, but for what is right.
“Magkasararo kita pero para sa tama. Because while we seek cooperation, there are things we cannot compromise: corruption and the return of dynasty and monopoly, never again!,” the former university president thunderously swore in the post.
To achieve success, the governor would have to work with Vice Governor Robert A. Fernandez and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the majority of whom were elected under the Cua alliance.
In last Monday’s initial meeting of the provincial legislature, two minority PBMs identified with Azanza reportedly communicated the latter’s desire that the vital appropriations and infrastructure committee chairmanships be given to them.
Now, it is the majority in any legislative body that allocates the important committee chairmanships to its allies, not the other way around. The minority has to be satisfied with whatever crumb is thrown their way, unless the majority leadership enters into a mutually acceptable arrangement.
Political observers of the Capitol dome event particularly noted Azanza’s announcement of the temporary suspension of quarry operations, hinting that this is part of a subtle plan to pressure the veteran PBMs who are believed to dabble in construction projects.
This is an acknowledgment that it would be difficult for the administration to get the required three-fourths majority, equivalent to eight PBMs, to pass major measures to fund key programs and projects without a hitch.
The expectation among those who know local politics is that Vice Gov. Fernandez and his group would stand their ground and keep the important committees for themselves.
If the announced committee assignments show otherwise, it would mean that the group has given in to the Capitol leadership’s entreaties in a quid-pro-quo deal, the details of which could be divined later in careless whispers.