Athena Tolentino was sworn in on Tuesday as the 39th governor of Cavite, not only becoming the youngest at 26 years old, but also the first woman to hold the highest seat in the province’s executive branch.
Tolentino was elected vice governor to Jonvic Remulla, who was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to replace Benhur Abalos, Jr. as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.
Abalos relinquished his Cabinet post to run for senator in next year’s elections.
From sports to governing one of the country’s most progressive—and history-rich—provinces, Tolentino vowed to accomplish the programs Remulla has vacated and at the same time inject vigor as a young public servant to Caviteños.
“We will continue all the programs and projects of Governor Jonvic [Remulla],” Tolentino said. “It’s a great opportunity to serve the people of Cavite in this capacity as governor with the guidance of God. I am very thankful and inspired.”
She was sworn into office by Cavite Regional Trial Court Judge Raquel Aspiras Sanchez at the Provincial Capitol in Trece Martires and was accompanied by his father, Tagaytay City Mayor and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, mother Dr. Agnes Tolentino, sister Aniela Bianca who’s seeking re-election as representative of the Eighth District of Cavite, and brother Brent.
Besides her commitments as vice governor, Tolentino, a Tagaytay City councilor from 2019 to 2022, has taken the path to sports and is currently the vice president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
“As the youngest and first female governor of the province, we are confident in her leadership and heart for service,” Abraham Tolentino said. “With her dedication, wisdom and unwavering commitment to progress, we know she will do great things for Cavite.”
She will serve the remainder of the governor’s term until June 30 next year.
