KIDAPAWAN CITY – North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza on Monday, June 30, renewed her commitment to sustain the province’s progress and outlined her administration’s new priorities during her inaugural address at the Provincial Capitol in Barangay Amas here.

“We’ve made significant progress for our beloved Cotabato, but there is still a lot of work ahead,” Mendoza said as she formally began a new term following her re-election.

Mendoza emphasized the need to build on past achievements, highlighting agriculture, infrastructure, and health as key focus areas of her administration under her “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy, a brand of leadership she described as honest, fair, and compassionate.

The governor said her administration will intensify support for the agriculture sector, including developing inland production, post-harvest technology, and value-adding initiatives such as processing and packaging for aquaculture products.

Other agricultural initiatives include deploying location-specific technology for rice farming, introducing a trademark rice variety unique to Cotabato, launching a harvest festival to promote high-value crops, and education campaigns on rainwater harvesting systems.

“These are not just programs on paper. They are designed to empower our farmers and ensure food security for the province,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to complete the long-awaited Central Mindanao Airport and the Cotabato Agro-Industrial Park in M’lang town.

In healthcare, she announced the construction of a P500-million, four-story building at the Cotabato Provincial Hospital. The new facility will feature an expanded emergency room, an OR/DR complex, an OB ward, and 50 additional dialysis units.

Two new renal dialysis centers are also set to open — one at the M’lang District Hospital and another at the Dr. Amado Diaz Provincial Foundation Hospital in Midsayap town.

Mendoza’s fresh mandate marks a new chapter for Cotabato province — one anchored in continuity but driven by an evolving inclusive growth and resilience agenda.

The governor concluded her address by calling for collective action from all sectors to ensure the successful implementation of these programs.

“We’ve worked and persevered to sustain the gains to make Cotabato stronger — a province we can all be proud of. We must safeguard our progress and ensure the best future for every Cotabateños,” Mendoza said.

The governor acknowledged the support of Representatives Edwin Cruzado (first district) and Maria Alana Samantha Taliño Santos (third district), Trade Union Congress of the Philippines party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, Vice Gov. Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray, and the provincial board.

North Cotabato officials backed Mendoza’s call for collective action under her Serbisyong Totoo agenda.

Taray, the youngest vice governor of the province, vowed to fulfill her commitment to public service, while Rep. Mendoza pledged continued partnership through expanded medical aid, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, and infrastructure projects, among others.

Rep. Santos said she would focus on inclusive programs for marginalized sectors and promised legislation supporting women, children, and workers.

Members of the 18th Sangguniang Panlalawigan voiced their dedication to health, agriculture, and grassroots engagement.