VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental — Juliette Tiu-Uy has officially taken the lead as the new governor of Misamis Oriental, following her proclamation after garnering 327,305 votes in the May 2025 midterm elections.
Her victory was formally declared by the Provincial Board of Canvassers at around 1 a.m. on May 13 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall. The board was composed of COMELEC Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Carlito Ravelo, Provincial Prosecutor Atty. Irene Meso, and DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Edilberto Oplenaria. Uy personally appeared for her proclamation ceremony at 2 p.m. the same day.
Uy dominated in the majority of the province’s municipalities—winning in eight out of ten towns in the first district, and twelve out of thirteen in the second district, with only Initao voting otherwise. She also secured wins in both Gingoog and El Salvador, the province’s two component cities.
In her first speech as governor-elect, Uy made an emotional appeal for unity, putting political divisions aside. “We must come together, no matter our political colors,” she said. “I am here not just as your governor, but as a mother to all.”
Uy’s message resonated with calls for inclusive governance and raised hopes that she would listen to the voices of all constituents, especially the job order and casual employees in the provincial government, once she officially takes office on July 1.
Throughout her campaign, Uy’s rallying cry—Bangon MisOr—focused on recovery, progress, and truth. She pledged to prioritize inclusive development that advances economic growth, healthcare access, education, environmental care, and modernization.
Before her gubernatorial run, Uy served as congresswoman of Misamis Oriental’s 2nd district from 2013 to 2022, advocating for local development and community welfare. A native of Villanueva and a member of the National Unity Party (NUP), she brings legislative experience and a vision for grassroots-oriented leadership.
Uy previously ran for governor in 2022 but lost to outgoing Governor Peter Unabia. Her return to the race this year marked a significant moment in the province’s history, as she now becomes only the second woman to serve as governor, following Ruthie de Lara-Guingona.
Reflecting on her campaign journey, Uy recalled her words during her certificate of candidacy filing on October 8, 2024: “I want to prove that you don’t need great wealth to serve the people.” She added, “They always say they have more money—but we have the people with us.”
Her win stands as a milestone for women empowerment in the province and a symbol of determination, proving that effective leadership transcends gender and material power.
