SUGBONGCOGON, Misamis Oriental — Incoming 1st District Representative Atty. Jennifer ‘Karen’ A. Lagbas took her oath of office on a rainy Saturday, June 21, at the municipal grounds along the highway in this eastern Misamis Oriental town.
Lagbas, the youngest and only daughter of the late Vice Governor and Congressman Danilo Lagbas, becomes the first woman to represent the district in Congress.
In an emotional speech, Lagbas declared that the district had reclaimed the mandate to serve from someone who, she implied, had failed to deliver meaningful public service. (Though she did not name the individual, an insider said she was referring to outgoing Governor Peter Unabia.)
“Higayon nga atong nabakod ang atong bansagon nga dugay ra gihurakan sa usa ka tawo nga atong gihatagan ug pamilya ug lugar sa atong lungsod sa Sugbongcogon,” she said.
Lagbas took her oath alongside victorious Unity Party members — mayors, vice mayors, and municipal councilors — during a mass oath-taking ceremony. The event was attended by incoming Governor Juliette Uy, incoming Villanueva Mayor Julio Uy, and other dignitaries, including officials from regional agencies.
Outgoing Sugbongcogon Mayor Mildred Mondigo opened the ceremony by acknowledging former Provincial Administrator Edmundo Pacamalan Jr., who represented 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano.
Lagbas shared that she initially had no intention of running in the 2025 elections, after losing her 2010 and 2022 bids against Peter and Christian Unabia, respectively. She had been content with her post at the Bureau of Customs.
But encouragement from mayors — and especially from her brother, Kinoguitan Mayor Danilo Lagbas Jr. — led her to file her certificate of candidacy and challenge the incumbent.
Her victory, she said, was a result of unity and determination. She thanked her supporters and emphasized that her top priority in office will be fostering unity throughout the district.
Incoming Abamin Partylist Rep. Maximo Rodriguez congratulated Lagbas during the ceremony, praising her perseverance and hard work.
She also highlighted that this was the time for the Lagbas family to demonstrate their commitment to genuine public service.
Also sworn in during the event were incoming Talisayan Mayor Ceriaco Talines (NUP), Vice Mayor-elect Jimmy Taray (independent), and several municipal councilors. Incoming Sugbongcogon Mayor Chiz Lagbas, younger brother of outgoing Mayor Mildred Lagbas, also took his oath.
Rep. Lagbas acknowledged the support of her family, particularly that of her husband, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra. She explained he was unable to attend the event due to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Marawi on the same day.
