Gov. Ebdane tells LGU chiefs to move together with courage, discipline, and unity
Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. is appealing to all municipal mayors and legislators on Monday morning to move and work together with courage, discipline and unity as the province has regained and sustained “First Class Province” status
The appeal was made during the governor’s State of Province Address (SOPA) held at the new Legislative Building which was attended by all municipal chief executives, members of the provincial and municipal board members, provincial heads of agencies, and representatives of community organizations. In his SONA, Ebdane boasted.
“Today, Zambales stands tall economically, socially, and culturally.” Adding that the province has sustained its first-class province status, driven by strengthened fiscal discipline and revitalized revenue generation which promotes the quality of life and opportunities of Zambaleños.
“It is high time for a collective resonance, where our shared energy creates the impetus that will lead us to achieving significant milestone,” Ebdane said.
Among the highlights of the SONA were Good governance where the governor mentioned that public trust was restored by establishing governance mechanisms in institutionalizing the open government partnership while promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation to bring the government closer to the grassroots.
The access to quality care was expanded by upgrading provincial and district hospitals, investing in medical facilities, and increasing healthcare specialists, and improving the processing of claims and Zero-Balance Billing (ZBB) for government hospital patients, ensuring that health care is always accessible and affordable for every Zambaleño. Social development was also enhanced ensuring that no Zambaleño family is left behind.
Through its “Hatid Serbisyo,” the Capitol brought social services directly to the doorsteps of the people, breaking barriers of distance, cost, and bureaucracy.
Meanwhile, as major economic engine, Zambales Mango Industry Council and Zambales Maritime Development Council are receiving support by extending the provision of equipment, seeds, and fertilizers, while enabling our fisherfolks with boats and gear, fish landing sites, and the institutionalization of their associations into cooperatives.
Gov. Ebdane proudly reported that the Capitol is fast tracking the completion of infrastructure projects, including the new Capitol Building, Capitol Multi-Purpose Building, the new Zambales Sports Complex Track and Football Stadium, the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital Annex, and hundreds of linear kilometers of roads, water systems, barangay halls, covered courts, school buildings and other facilities.
The expanded “Handog Edukasyon” provided thousands of students the educational assistance, while teachers were provided educational resources, learning tools, and digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, the province is preparing to bid for the 2027 Palarong Pambansa, noting that Zambales is confidently ready with all the facilities to host this prestigious event, as proven by the successful hosting the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree participated by 25,000 scouts in December 2025.
For environmental stewardship and peace and order, and Gov. Ebdane urged the local officials to be ready to face climate risks, infrastructure gaps, health system pressures, and the realities of poverty in vulnerable communities.
Officials must embrace emerging tools and new approaches for better service, and ensure that governance remains responsive, relevant, and worthy of the people’s trust.
Hear’s to Watch: Zambales Gov. Ebdane urged elected officials to conduct research related to the interpretation of the law vis-à-vis the intention of the ordinance/resolution; determine the requirements of the province and come up with a proposed resolution to cover those requirements; improve activity of each committee and align with the defined governance objectives of the province; review and amend outdated ordinances. Photo: Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. delivering his State of the Province Address at the New Legislative Building on Monday, 19 January.
