House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday vowed to help Aurora pursue further progress, saying no province in the country would be left behind in terms of development.
Romualdez made this commitment during the celebration of the 46th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Aurora and 137th Birth Anniversary of Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon at the provincial capitol grounds in Baler.
“As Speaker of the House, I stand before you not to make promises, but to make a commitment. Walang maiiwan (No one will be left behind). Aurora will not be left behind,” Romualdez told his audience.
“We will work to ensure: Better roads and bridges so farmers can bring their harvest to markets faster, more schools and scholarships, so the youth of Aurora can reach their full potential; stronger healthcare services, so no family has to choose between medicine and food; and support for agriculture and fisheries, so that the lifeblood of Aurora remains strong,” he said.
Romualdez said progress should not be confined to cities and other urban areas. “It must reach every town, every barangay, every home. No province should be left behind in terms of development.”
The seasoned legislator from Leyte added that Aurora represents “a promise that when we work together, when we put service above self, when we trust in each other, nothing is impossible.”
He exhorted his fellow civil servants to “renew that promise.”
“Let us work together. Let us dream bigger. Let us make sure that Aurora continues to rise—more stable, more progressive, more future ready,” Romualdez said
The Speaker highlighted the contributions of the province to the country and the legacy of Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon.
“Aurora is a province of great beauty, but even greater history. It is a land of waves and mountains, of resilience and quiet strength. But above all, Aurora is a land of service—true, selfless, and unwavering,” he said.
“Aurora has given so much to this country—its resources, its culture, its heroes. And today, I say to you: Aurora deserves more,” Romualdez said. He praised the people of Aurora for their values of hard work, compassion, and camaraderie.
The Speaker paid tribute to the late Doña Aurora, who he described as “a woman who did not seek the spotlight, but whose light continues to shine in the hearts of her people.”
“She led with compassion, served with dignity, and gave her life for others. That is the spirit of Aurora. That is the spirit we celebrate today,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Aurora Rep. Rommel Rico Angara, Gov. Reynante Tolentino, Vice Gov. Jennifer Araña, Gabriel Quezon Avancena (grandson of Pres. Manuel Luis Quezon), other provincial officials, civil servants, business leaders, farmers, fisherfolk, students, and residents.
House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, and Reps. Lani Mercado Revilla, representing Sen. Ramon Revilla,Jr.; Emerson Pascual (4th District, Nueva Ecija), Carmelo Lazatin (1st District, Pampanga), Joseph Tan (4th District, Isabela), Loreto Amante (3rd District, Laguna), and Faustino Michael Carlos Dy (5th District, Isabela) also attended the event.