Instead of delivering a traditional speech, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto presented her 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) through an innovative theatrical production that transformed government accomplishments into stories of hope, resilience, and public service.
Held on July 20, 2026, at the Batangas Province Events Center (BPEC), the presentation featured performances by students from Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Batangas State University–The National Engineering University Lipa Campus, Stonyhurst Southville International School-Malarayat, and Batangas City High School for the Arts. Through acting, music, dance, and multimedia presentations, the provincial government showcased how its programs have directly impacted the lives of Batangueños.
The production moved beyond statistics by highlighting personal stories of individuals, families, and communities who benefited from the provincial government’s initiatives. Each segment reflected the administration’s H.E.A.R.T.S. Program, covering healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, technology, environmental protection, social welfare, and public safety.
Santos-Recto emphasized that government should always be a source of hope, guided by compassion, integrity, and responsive leadership. She said these principles continue to shape the province’s vision of delivering people-centered governance.
Healthcare emerged as one of the administration’s top priorities. Under the ‘Mas Matatag na Kalusugan’ program, the provincial government established two new dialysis centers as part of its goal of installing 100 dialysis machines across Batangas. Construction has also begun on two district hospitals, while rehabilitation of existing district hospital facilities continues. Over the past year, provincial and district hospitals collectively provided more than 411,700 healthcare services, while more than 21,000 Batangueños benefited from free medical, dental, circumcision, and other health missions.
Education also received significant investment, with nearly ₱400 million allocated to support more than 76,000 scholars, nearly doubling the number of beneficiaries from the previous administration. The Merit-Based Educational Grants Program expanded to 3,062 scholars for School Year 2025–2026, while the province continued addressing classroom shortages through the construction of new school buildings and the rehabilitation of hundreds of existing classrooms. Public schools also received more than 1,200 laptops, Smart TVs, interactive projectors, educational materials, and other learning equipment to enhance classroom instruction.
The provincial government likewise highlighted accomplishments in environmental protection and agriculture. Reforestation efforts restored 140.91 hectares of forests and mangrove areas, while the Batangas Bantay Dagat Network continued protecting the province’s coastal resources. Financial assistance was extended to fishermen affected by the Taal Lake crisis and successive typhoons, alongside investments in climate change adaptation, agricultural inputs, and farm mechanization to strengthen the province’s food security.
Infrastructure development accelerated under the H.E.A.R.T.S. Program, with projects worth ₱3.095 billion completed across Batangas. These included hospitals, school buildings, barangay roads, water systems, government facilities, street lighting projects, and multipurpose buildings. The provincial government also reported progress in completing previously delayed infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Batangas Provincial Sports Complex track oval.
Tourism remained one of Batangas’ strongest economic drivers as the province retained its status as the Top Overnight Tourist Destination in CALABARZON. The “Batangas: All Here. So Near.” campaign further promoted local tourism while government interventions helped protect tourists and resort operators from online booking scams. The revival of the Ala Eh! Festival after a nine-year hiatus also generated new livelihood opportunities while strengthening unity among Batangas’ municipalities and cities.
To improve public service delivery, the provincial government expanded internet connectivity to 95 remote public elementary schools through a partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Social welfare programs also posted significant gains, with Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) increasing to ₱145.92 million, alongside expanded funding for medical assistance, livelihood programs, cooperatives, youth development, sports, and employment initiatives.
Governor Santos-Recto also highlighted the success of the Capitol on Wheels program, which has brought essential government services directly to municipalities including San Juan, Mabini, Tingloy, Malvar, and the City of Calaca. The administration likewise launched the Matatag na Batangas Award for Visionary Leadership towards Sustainable and Resilient (MBA-VSR) to encourage excellence in governance among local government units.
Closing the presentation, Santos-Recto reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that every peso of public funds is translated into programs that improve the lives of Batangueños.
