Progreso vs. Asenso: What’s next for Abra?

Two big names are set to clash for Abra’s top post in the 2025 midterms: former Governor Eustaquio “Takit” Bersamin and Bangued Vice Mayor Joaquin “Kiko” Bernos. Many perceive this as a battle between the old and the young. Takit came just 10,000 votes short of reclaiming the capitol in the 2022 elections, losing to Kiko’s grandfather, former Bangued Mayor and now Governor Dominic Valera. Kiko’s candidacy seems to be a litmus test for whether the province’s 50% registered youth voters can be swayed by his youth and charisma.

The congressional race will also be hotly contested, with Kiko’s uncle, former Congressman and Mayors’ League National President JB Bernos, facing off against his maternal grandmother, current Bangued Mayor Mila Valera. Meanwhile, the vice gubernatorial post will be a battle between Kiko’s mother, suspended Vice Governor Joy Valera-Bernos, and Takit’s niece, former Board Member Anne Bersamin.

Abra’s elections are always a spectacle, but this time, they could signal where Abreños stand—between fresh perspectives and seasoned leadership.

Yet in Abra, winning an election often relies less on public appeal and more on the tried-and-true formula of guns and gold outshining ideals of governance.

Progreso vs. Asenso

The Bernos-Bersamin alliance (Team Progreso) is the one to watch. With Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in Malacañang and Mayor JB Bernos wielding influence over 90% of barangay leaders and mayors, the game is heavily tilted in their favor.

However, the Valera-Bernos-Luna (Asenso) coalition has a few cards left to play. Lest we forget, Joy Valera-Bernos won the 2010 congressional race despite lacking mayoral and barangay leader support, defeating former Congresswoman Cecilia Luna. Valeras still have many solid votes in the grassroots. Kiko’s public appeal is undeniable, but his lack of notable achievements is a significant drawback. Despite holding public office since he was 18—as Councilor, Acting Mayor during the pandemic, and now Vice Mayor—he has yet to deliver a defining accomplishment. With only seven months left before the election, he faces a ticking clock to prove himself capable of addressing Abra’s challenges.

On the other hand, Takit’s nine years as governor (2007–2016) are a testament to his experience. However, critics argue that while he is a strong leader, he lacks managerial skills—a role that was reportedly filled by his wife, Ruby, during his tenure. With most of the technocrats from his era retired, Takit will need a new cadre of managers to govern effectively, especially given that Congressman Bernos is likely to play a pivotal role in decision-making should he win, since they are a tandem.

Abra’s urgent challenges

The new sets of provincial managers will be of great importance as the province struggles with economic stagnation, recording one of the slowest GDP growth rates in the region at just 4.4%, surpassing only Ifugao. Healthcare remains a pressing issue, as the provincial hospital is poorly equipped and chronically understaffed. Agricultural productivity, while showing some improvement, continues to lag behind despite receiving over a billion pesos annually in RA 7171 funds, farmers in Abra remain among the poorest in the region.

Access to basic infrastructure is severely limited, with many residents lacking clean water, still no functional waste management facility across the province, schools underperforming, and internet connectivity remains very challenging.

Governance also remains a significant concern, with corruption plaguing the capitol and Abra failing to secure a Seal of Good Local Governance since 2016. Disaster preparedness is inadequate, leaving the province increasingly vulnerable to flooding, while resurging insurgent activity and persistent election violence tarnish peace and security. Moreover, a silent brain drain has left the province with a declining educated workforce, further exacerbating poverty and vulnerability. Civil society and media have faded into near obscurity, and cooperatives struggle to survive without adequate support.

On a brighter note, small businesses are taking root, and previously undiscovered tourist spots are gaining attention, though they remain undeveloped and unprotected.

The problem with Abra is there is too much politics in it and is concentrated highly on very few political names. When I visited Cagayan Valley and other northern Luzon areas, at least, I can appreciate that several clans won’t last as middle class is vibrant and they can challenge ruling political clans if they want to.

Setting rants aside, if I were the governor, I would begin by addressing the fundamentals at the capitol. The first priority would be eliminating ghost employees and regularizing deserving staff members and then computerize and digitize all its systems and services to cut red tape. It’s crucial to hire and appoint the youngest and brightest Abreños while they are still available, following the example of Dolores Mayor JR Seares during his first term. Collaborating with experts from academia and civil society groups would also bring fresh perspectives and specialized knowledge to governance. Establish a fully operational, functional, and reliable provincial DRRM operations center with the right resources and personnel is essential for better disaster preparedness.

Second, focus on social services, services that directly address household income and vulnerability. Create more investments with an Investment Board that is insulated from politics but occupied by economists and an Infrastructure Development Board to outline critical infrastructures of the province in protecting it from calamities, improved road networks, better schools and hospitals. Include farmers in the liquidation and proceedings of RA 7171 funds and invest in value-adding activities for raw crops and materials through cooperative-based processing.

Third, Investing in internet connectivity and providing upskilling programs for young graduates could open doors to opportunities in the virtual economy. Meanwhile, developing and conserving natural tourist spots could promote sustainable tourism, supported by a skilled media and communications team to rebrand and market the province effectively.

As an overview – invest on right people, improve the social services, and unlock local potentials.

The battle for Abra’s gubernatorial post is no longer merely a question of age or experience, of the old versus the young, or the fresh versus the seasoned. It is about who can overcome challenges and drive the province forward. Whether it’s Progreso or Asenso that can deliver this vision will ultimately depend on the choice of Abreño voters. Regardless, come 2025, political dynasties would still win.  Moreover, the gubernatorial race is not the only significant contest in the 2025 elections; all other local positions will also play a crucial role in redefining and improving Abra’s future.

Abra needs a leader who is not only forward-thinking and innovative but also a capable manager committed to driving the province toward progress. Without this, Abra risks falling further behind.