The Star for All Seasons is back where her heart has always belonged—serving the people of Batangas. On July 7, newly elected Governor Vilma Santos-Recto formally assumed office during an inaugural ceremony held at the Batangas Provincial Capitol.
In her inaugural address, Vilma Santos-Recto outlined her priorities for a “Matatag na Batangas”—a renewed vision anchored on health care, education, disaster preparedness, and public safety. She also took a heartfelt moment to thank her family, including her husband, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, and their sons, Ryan Recto—now a legislator—and Luis Manzano.
She praised Luis for choosing to scale back his showbiz commitments after the election to help fulfill his promise to serve Batangueños.
“To you Luis, my son, we will be needing you here in the Capitol,” she said. “Kailangan ko ang energy mo, talino at sipag… After the election… you were offered two shows right away but you chose only one para siguraduhin na magkaoras ka dito sa Batangas to fulfill your commitment to serve the Batangueños at tuparin ang mga ipinangako mo sa kanila without asking anything in return. And for that I’m proud of you and thank you, Lucky.”
In an interview following the ceremony, Governor Vilma Santos-Recto expressed a mix of emotions as she takes on her new role once again.
“Nakakatakot na masaya na excited,” sheshared. “Yung lahat ng gagawin ko ‘again’ e. Meeting my family in the Capitol again, serving Batangueños again. So it’s kind of… hindi naman scary, but it’s going to be very challenging for me.”
Having previously served as Batangas governor for nine years before becoming the province’s 6th district representative in Congress, she expressed her strong desire to make a real difference within a short time—and wants Batangueños to feel the results before her three-year term is over.
“I am happy and excited to be serving again the Batangueños and make sure in my own little way I can still, as the mother of the province, I can still do something to contribute in uplifting the lives of the Batangueños — even for 3 years. But the thing is, dapat work fast and focus talaga.”
“Three years is fast. Gusto ko in 3 years, dapat may maramdaman at may impact bago matapos ang isang termino.”
Despite being fully committed to her role as governor, Vilma Santos-Recto is not closing the door on doing one more film during her term—if time permits.
“Sa tatlong taon na isisilbi ko sa Batangas, definitely I’ll focus my attention in serving our Batangueños,” she said. “Pero hihiling ako isa [pelikula] sa mga Batangueños. Kung minsan sa kanila naman nanggagaling. In 3 years baka I can do one movie kahit paano.”
“May negotiation but I’m looking forward into maybe doing it given a chance maka-isang pelikula within 3 years. We are doing a meeting already and I am excited,” she added.
Wasting no time, Governor Santos-Recto signed four Executive Orders shortly after her speech, each aligned with her call for a “Matatag na Batangas”:
Photo credit: Batangas PIO | Facebook
EO No. 01-2025: Task Force Matatag na Kalusugan – Focused on improving the province’s health services through hospital rehabilitation and increased manpower and logistics.
EO No. 02-2025: Task Force Matatag na Scholars – Aims to expand and rationalize scholarship programs, using a merit system and considering the economic status of students.
EO No. 03-2025: Task Force Matatag at Ligtas na Batangas – A disaster preparedness initiative to ensure the province is ready for typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other calamities.
EO No. 04-2025: Task Force Matatag na Pagbabantay – Targets crime prevention through strengthened police visibility, intelligence work, and community partnerships.
TATAK MNL 
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