BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES — With a resounding call to “lead beyond the edge,” Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. kicked off his historic third consecutive term by outlining a bold and strategic roadmap for Zambales during his oath-taking ceremony held on June 30, 2025, at the Botolan People’s Plaza.
Ebdane, now the only Zambales governor in the 21st century to serve three straight terms, said that while the province has made significant strides in development, there remains much work to be done to ensure inclusive and lasting prosperity for every Zambaleño.
“While the view may be magnificent from where we are today, mind you — the task isn’t over yet,” he declared.
Vision for a Stronger Zambales
Ebdane outlined a bold vision anchored on five strategic pillars:
Health equity and inclusive healthcare delivery
A self-sustaining economy and financial resilience
Efficient asset management to drive agriculture and industry
Social development and self-reliant citizenry
Smart infrastructure and institutional excellence
He emphasized that long-term prosperity demands not just vision but a well-defined roadmap backed by decisive action.
Advancing Health and Education
Under Ebdane’s leadership, the province has made significant strides in healthcare by hiring more specialists and upgrading medical facilities. Education has also advanced through the “Handog Edukasyon” program, which continues to strengthen partnerships with local academic institutions and expand scholarship opportunities.
Revitalizing the Mango Industry
A major highlight of Ebdane’s agenda is the ₱50-million Zambales Mango Green Valley Project, a four-year initiative designed to boost mango production, particularly the province’s world-renowned carabao (dinamulag) mango.
The project aims to:
Increase yield per hectare
Enhance the mango value chain
Sustain industry growth and global competitiveness
To further support agricultural advancement, the provincial government has established the Zambales Mango Industry Council and the Zambales Maritime Development Council — both set to play key roles in agri-industrial transformation.
Infrastructure and Social Services: Building for the People
Ebdane reported continued investment in accessible, high-impact infrastructure, including roads, schools, and government facilities.
He acknowledged, however, that more must be done to uplift vulnerable sectors, citing the many indigent families in Zambales. In response, the provincial government has expanded social service initiatives, such as:
Livelihood support and agricultural grants
Enhanced health and medical assistance
Direct financial aid for indigent residents
Governance with Integrity
Ebdane proudly cited governance reforms that strengthened fiscal independence, stating:
“We institutionalized transparency, digitized property taxation, and positioned Zambales as a model of fiscal independence. No longer dependent, we are now more self-sufficient and scalable than ever before.”
A Legacy of Leadership
As he embarks on another term, Ebdane reaffirmed his commitment to lead Zambales beyond its current achievements — and into a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and impact.
“Together, we will push the boundaries of what’s possible — not for our glory, but for the enduring welfare of every Zambaleño,” he concluded.