Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto veered away from the traditional format of delivering a State of the Province Address (SOPA), presenting her administration’s accomplishments through a full-scale musical skit accompanied by audio-visual presentations that vividly illustrated the provincial government’s programs, projects, and milestones over the past year.
Rather than simply reading a report, the production combined live performances, music, storytelling, and multimedia presentations to show how various initiatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, environmental protection, and social services have made a difference in the lives of Batangueños.
Opening the program, Provincial Administrator Atty. Joel Montealto said the presentation would showcase the province’s journey, the challenges it has faced, and its direction moving forward.
“Community, challenges, and the direction for the future of our province.”
He said Governor Vilma’s administration continues to prioritize bringing government services closer to the people through programs anchored on accessibility and responsive governance.
“Under Governor Vilma Santos Recto’s leadership, we continue to bring government closer to the people through programs like Capitol on Wheels and the continued implementation of the HEARTS program. These initiatives reflect our commitment to delivering services that are accessible, responsive, efficient, and truly people-centered.”
Montealto emphasized that the administration’s vision is simple but meaningful.
“Ang ating layunin ay simple, ngunit makabuluhan. Maramdaman ng bawat Batangueño ang serbisyo ng Kapitolyo, ilapit ang Kapitolyo sa mga tao. Governor Vilma wants to connect the Capitol to the people.”
He also acknowledged that the province’s accomplishments were made possible through collaboration among various sectors.
“And this is the product of the continued support, partnership, and shared commitment of every sector of our community.”
He concluded by thanking everyone who contributed to the province’s continued progress.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na suporta, operasyon, at dedikasyon as we work together to a stronger, more progressive, more inclusive Batangas.”
After watching the musical production that summarized her administration’s first year, Governor Vilma Santos-Recto admitted she was overwhelmed with emotion.
“Hindi ko po alam kung saan ko po ilalagay ang puso ko sa saya, sa napanood ko, yung kaligayahan, yung fulfillment, yung kahit paano ay may naging resulta ang isang taon na tiwala na ibinigay sa akin ng Batangueño.”
She said the accomplishments presented during the production reflected the dedication and unity of the provincial government workforce.
“Kanina nakita niyo po ang presentasyon ng mga nagawa na at nasimulang gawain ng atin pong administrasyon. Kung marami ho tayong nagawa sa nakaraang isang taon, nagawa po ito natin dahilan sa pagkakaisa, pagsisikap ng atin pong mga empleyado sa kapitolyo.”
She praised Capitol employees for remaining committed to public service.
“Hindi sila natinag, hindi nagpaapekto, patuloy lang nagtrabaho, patuloy po na nagsakripisyo para po mapagserbisyuhan nang lubos ang pangangailangan po ng ating pong mga Batangueño.”
The governor also expressed her gratitude to Vice Governor Dodo Mandanas, members of Congress, mayors, vice mayors, barangay officials, barangay functionaries, men and women in uniform, the private sector, and all provincial government employees for working together to serve Batangueños.
Calling teamwork the foundation of the province’s accomplishments, she declared:
“The magic word is TEAMWORK. Maraming salamat sa inyo.”
Governor Vilma stressed that the success of government programs is reflected not merely in statistics but in the lives they improve.
“Sa bawat proyektong atin pong naipatupad, maraming buhay po ang kahit paano ay nabago. Ang nagpapatunay dito ay ang mga kuwento mismo ng ating pong mga naging benepisyaro. The people themselves spoke of the value of our work, not us.”
Expanded Healthcare Services
Healthcare remained one of the administration’s top priorities.
Within one year, the provincial government established two new dialysis centers as part of its initiative to deploy 100 dialysis machines across Batangas’ districts, allowing patients to receive free treatment closer to home.
Construction has likewise begun on two new district hospitals while rehabilitation and modernization efforts continue in existing district hospitals.
Provincial and district hospitals collectively delivered 411,741 healthcare services over the past year.
Meanwhile, more than 21,000 Batangueños benefited from free medical, dental, circumcision, and health missions conducted throughout the province.
Greater Investments in Education
Education likewise received unprecedented support.
Nearly ₱400 million was allocated for more than 76,000 Batangueño scholars, a substantial increase from the 42,678 scholars under the previous administration.
The Merit-Based Educational Grants Program also expanded significantly, benefiting 3,062 students during School Year 2025–2026 compared to only 451 beneficiaries in the previous school year.
The provincial government continued extending scholarship opportunities to students enrolled in both public and private schools.
To address classroom shortages, more than ₱1.37 billion was allotted for the construction of new classrooms, while 841 classrooms are currently undergoing repairs.
Schools also received over 1,200 laptops, Smart TVs, interactive projectors, learning materials, and other instructional equipment.
In partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), internet connectivity has likewise reached 95 remote elementary schools, including those in Lobo and Tingloy.
Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development
Environmental conservation remained a key priority through the province’s Reforestation Program, which restored 140.91 hectares of land and mangrove forests.
Batangas also implemented the LAWA at BINHI Program in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units, distributing more than ₱14.5 million to over 1,300 beneficiaries through cash-for-work and environmental conservation initiatives.
Strengthening Agriculture and Fisheries
The provincial government continued supporting farmers and fisherfolk through various assistance programs.
More than ₱9.8 million in financial aid was immediately released to fishermen affected by the situation in Taal Lake.
The province likewise allocated over ₱11.9 million for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Programs, ₱5.9 million for agricultural and fishery inputs, and ₱2.3 million for the Farm Mechanization and Modernization Program.
More Than ₱3 Billion in Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure development remained one of the administration’s major priorities.
Under the H.E.A.R.T.S. Program, Batangas completed more than ₱3.095 billion worth of infrastructure projects, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, school buildings, government offices, barangay roads, street lighting systems, water supply projects, multi-purpose facilities, and other community infrastructure.
A Growing Economy
Batangas also continued attracting major investments.
According to the Board of Investments, the province secured more than ₱118 billion worth of approved investments.
It also earned recognition for having the highest number of compliant cooperatives in the CALABARZON region, including three billion-peso cooperatives.
Governor Vilma said investor confidence remains strong despite global uncertainties.
“May mga investors pa rin po tayo na patuloy pong pumapasok at pumupunta sa ating lalawigan para ho mamuhunan. Ito’y naglilikha ng maraming trabaho para po sa ating mga mamamayan at sa atin pong mga kabataan. Ito’y maliwanag na malaki ang kanilang tiwala sa economic potential ng atin pong lalawigan. Ang kapasidad ng ating pong mga Batangueño at kasama na ngayon ang mga kabataan na may tamang kasanayan, tamang kaalaman, handang makatulong sa paglago pa ng industriyang itinatayo sa ating lalawigan.”
She emphasized the importance of sustaining a business-friendly environment.
“Kailangan lamang masuportahan natin ang mga investors na pumapasok po dito sa atin sa lalawigan. The more we create the conditions necessary for business to grow and succeed, the more we open our doors for more investments, quality jobs, and lasting economic growth.”
Tourism and Social Services Continue to Expand
Batangas retained its distinction as the Top Overnight Tourist Destination in CALABARZON through its “All Here. So Near.” tourism campaign.
The province also revived the Ala Eh! Festival after a nine-year hiatus, promoting Batangueño culture while generating economic opportunities for local communities.
Meanwhile, social protection initiatives continued to expand.
Assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) reached ₱145.92 million during the first half of 2026, surpassing the previous year’s figures.
An additional ₱9.4 million was allocated for medical and hospital assistance, while honoraria for volunteers and sectoral leaders were increased.
The provincial government also earmarked ₱18.7 million for Barangay Community Development Projects.
Addressing Present-Day Challenges
Governor Vilma acknowledged the many challenges confronting both the country and the world.
“Anyway, we are living in one of the most challenging periods of our time. Ibang-iba na ho ang panahon ngayon kaysa dun sa nakasanayan natin noon. Hating-hati na ho ang mga kababayan nating Pilipino dahil lamang sa pulitika. Nagkalat ang fake news o mga misinformation sa social media. Ramdam naman po nating lahat ang epekto nito sa ating mga kabataan na ngayon pati sila ay biktima na.”
She also spoke about the impact of global conflicts.
“Labis din po tayong tinatamaan, ang atin pong pamumuhay dahil po sa epekto ng gyera na nangyayari ngayon… Ang magiging biktima na naman dito ay ang atin pong mga mamamayang Pilipino. Kasama tayong mga Batangueño.”
Despite these challenges, she called on Batangueños to remain united.
“Sa harap po ng ganitong mga pangyayari, ang hiling ko lamang ho bilang ina ng lalawigan ng Batangas, panatiliin po sana nating buhay at malakas ang ating paniniwala na kaya natin mapaglabanan at malampasan natin ito… Magtutulungan lang po tayo, tiwala lamang po sa isa’t isa at lagi lamang po na dapat ay nakakasama natin ang tinatawag nating mga tamang tao sa atin pong pagsisilbi, mga taong may hawak na talino at puso.”
She likewise encouraged everyone to remain steadfast in their faith.
“Hinihiling ko lamang ho na sana panatiliin lang natin ang matibay na pananalig na hindi tayo pababayaan ng atin pong Panginoon.”
A Vision for the Next Two Years
Looking ahead, Governor Vilma said the H.E.A.R.T.S. Program will continue to evolve to better serve Batangueños.
“Anyway, in the next 2 years, we will transform our hearts program into an even stronger and more responsive instrument of public service that reaches Batangueños, empowers them to succeed and create lasting improvements in the quality of life of every family we serve.”
She added that more innovations will be introduced, particularly in healthcare and education, to help improve lives and create more opportunities across the province.
As she concluded her address, the governor emphasized that Batangas’ future depends on collective commitment.
“Tayo po ay nasa tamang landas ay nararapat lamang na tayo’y magsilbi sa pangangailangan ng ating pong kababayang Batangueño. The future of Batangas will not be shaped by the efforts of a few but by the commitment of all.”
She ended with a message of hope and unity.
“When we work together as one people, give our blessing all that we do and keep the welfare of every Batangueño at the heart of our decisions. We can create a future where every Batangueño has the opportunity to live with dignity, hope, and greater opportunities. Batangas, we can make a difference. Let’s do it.”
