"I Am Grateful to Be Recognized": Gov. Ann Hofer Responds with Humility After Being Named No. 2 Top-Performing Governor in the Philippines

Daphne Santuyo

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - Despite being ranked as the No. 2 Top-Performing Governor in the entire Philippines in the latest survey conducted by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD), Governor Ann K. Hofer had only a few words to say.

"I am grateful to be recognized."

It was a simple and humble response from a leader who has consistently allowed her work—not her words—to define her administration.

Since assuming office in her first term, Governor Hofer has remained steadfast in pursuing the HOFER Agenda, the development blueprint that serves as the guiding framework of her administration. The agenda focuses on Health and Wellness, Order and Safety, Farms, Fisheries and Food Security, Environment and Education, and Roads and Transport Network—priority sectors aimed at improving the quality of life of every Sibugaynon.

For Governor Hofer, governance has never been about pursuing recognition or accolades. From her first day in office, her administration has been driven by a singular purpose: to fulfill the vision of the late Governor George T. Hofer, the founding father of Zamboanga Sibugay, of building a province where every Sibugaynon can live in peace, enjoy opportunities for growth, and proudly call home.

Guided by the HOFER Agenda, the Provincial Government has continued to invest in programs that expand access to healthcare, strengthen peace and order, improve farm productivity and food security, protect the environment, enhance educational opportunities, and accelerate the development of roads and transport networks that connect communities and stimulate economic growth.

The governor has consistently emphasized that the true measure of leadership is not found in survey rankings but in the tangible improvements felt by the people—from better health services and stronger agricultural support to improved infrastructure and responsive government programs reaching even the most remote barangays.

Her recognition as the No. 2 Top-Performing Governor in the Philippines is widely seen as an affirmation of the Provincial Government's unwavering commitment to responsive, people-centered governance and the collective efforts of provincial employees, local government units, partner agencies, and the people of Zamboanga Sibugay.

As her administration continues to implement the HOFER Agenda, Governor Hofer remains focused on transforming the vision of the province's founding father into a lasting reality—making Zamboanga Sibugay a province where every Sibugaynon enjoys better healthcare, safer communities, stronger livelihoods, quality education, a protected environment, and modern infrastructure.

For Governor Hofer, the recognition is not the destination but a reminder to continue working harder in service of the people. And true to her character, she summed it up in just six words:

"I am grateful to be recognized."