In her farewell message delivered last June 28, 2010 during the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Capitol Grounds, the incoming Second District Congresswoman said that as she assumed the office as governor of the province way in back July 2001, she brought with her the Seven – Point Development Agenda of the province.

She added that despite the challenges she faced during her first term as the head of the province, “I remained steadfast to pursue our vision for progress and bring beneficial rewards to the people…”

Much of Cerilles’ message to the Capitol employees was of gratitude for their support in her nine years of service. “To all of you guys, thank you for being there for me, especially those who understood the essence of good governance,” she said.

“The achievements we have reached over the years shall be my lasting legacy to the good people of Zamboanga del Sur. I profoundly appreciate the sincere efforts of those who stood their ground with me in the implementation of the Seven – Point Development Agenda,” she added.

She also appreciated the impact of the employees’ support for her all through the years. “Indeed, the time we had together gave me the strength and courage to undertake another daunting challenge as your newly-elected congresswoman of the Second District of this province,” she said.

In her last note, she urged Capitol employees to “offer the same full support and cooperation to the administration of the new governor – elect Tony Cerilles, who has been my strongest ally during my entire administration.”

Welcoming the new governor, other officials

Governor – elect Antonio “Tony” Cerilles was formally inaugurated together with Vice – Governor Juan Regala. Also with them were the following newly – elected Board Members of the First and Second Districts: 1st District - Ramon Blancia, Jr., Flaviano Fucoy, Jr., Rogelio Saniel, Ernesto Mondarte; 2nd District – Wilfredo Asoy, Miguelito Ocapan, Edward Pintac, Vicente Cajeta, and Eriberto Sumalinog.

Also officially taking their oath of office were First District Congressman Victor Yu and Second District Congresswoman Aurora Enerio – Cerilles, respectively. All of them swore to Hon. Rolando L. Goan, executive judge of Zamboanga del Sur.

The Inauguration Ceremony was held at 7:00 in the morning with only the presence of the immediate family members and friends of the newly - installed officials. The new governor made it sure that the ceremony would be a simple but meaningful event.