Legarda becomes first Antique Representative to become Deputy Speaker

Three-term Senator, now Congresswoman, Loren Legarda made history yet again for the province of Antique as she has been named yesterday one of the Deputy Speakers for the Eighteenth Congress. Legarda, who is the first Antique Representative to become Deputy Speaker, expressed her gratitude and excitement to her kasimanwas 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 Legarda.

A proud Antiqueña, Legarda wore a piña handwoven shawl made by local weavers from the municipality of Tibiao during the Opening Ceremony of the First Regular Session yesterday.

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 in Congress, said that she appreciates the trust and support accorded to her by the leadership of the Bigger 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.

Today, Legarda took her oath as Deputy Speaker before Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

Legarda was elected Deputy Speaker by unanimous vote alongside Cong. Ferdinand Hernandez (South Cotabato, 2nd District), Cong. Paolo Duterte (Davao City, 1st District), Cong. Evelina Escudero (Sorsogon, 1st District), Cong. Conrado Estrella III (ABONO Partylist), Cong. Prospero Pichay Jr. (Surigao del Sur, 1st District), Cong. Robert Puno (Antipolo City), Cong. Eduardo Villanueva (CIBAC Partylist), Cong. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (Pampanga, 3rd District), Cong. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao Del Sur, 2nd District), and Cong. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. (Camarines Sur, 2nd District).***