Three-term Senator, now Antique Representative Loren Legarda made history yet again for Antique after being chosen as one of the deputy speakers of the 18th Congress.
“That alone is already a challenge for me.”
Legarda, who is the first Antique representative to become Deputy Speaker, expressed her gratitude and excitement to her kasimanwas (provincemates) who serve as her inspiration and motivation.
“As the new representative of Antique, I am mandated to serve my kasimanwas—to help them get out of poverty and drive the province to sustainable progress. That alone is already a challenge for me. But to represent the province, while serving the bigger House as Deputy Speaker, that brings a greater responsibility that I am more than willing to humbly accept,” said the veteran legislator.
A proud Antiqueña, the seasoned lawmaker wore a piña handwoven shawl made by local weavers from the municipality of Tibiao during the opening ceremony of the First Regular Session.
“I appreciate the trust and support accorded by the leadership of the bigger House.”
For this year’s State of the Nation Address by President Rodrigo Duterte, the former senator proudly wore patadyong pants matched with modern-style magenta Filipiniana to showcase the rich culture and weaving tradition of Antique. The patadyong is a handwoven textile that serves as a source of livelihood for her kasimanwas in Bugasong, Antique.
Legarda, who is also Antique’s first female representative elected to Congress, said that she appreciates the trust and support accorded to her by the leadership of the House as well as her colleagues, and she hopes to work with them by enacting legislation that will bring the government closer to the people.
She recently took her oath as Deputy Speaker before House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
Legarda was elected Deputy Speaker by unanimous vote alongside Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez (South Cotabato, 2nd District), Rep. Paolo Duterte (Davao City, 1st District), Cong. Evelina Escudero (Sorsogon, 1st District), Rep. Conrado Estrella III (ABONO Partylist), Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. (Surigao del Sur, 1st District), Rep. Robert Puno (Antipolo City), Rep. Eduardo Villanueva (CIBAC Partylist), Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (Pampanga, 3rd District), Rep. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao Del Sur, 2nd District), and Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. (Camarines Sur, 2nd District).