Voice of Governance: A Transitivity Analysis of the Mayor’s Speech in Loreto, Agusan del Sur

Raul Novo Cordova, Evangeline H. Alvarez, Roxan R. Remorosa and Shiryl T. Ytoc
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Raul Novo Cordova: Master of Arts in Education major in Applied Linguistics-College of Teacher Education, Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology
Evangeline H. Alvarez: Master of Arts in Education major in Applied Linguistics-College of Teacher Education, Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology
Roxan R. Remorosa: Master of Arts in Education major in Applied Linguistics-College of Teacher Education, Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology
Shiryl T. Ytoc: Master of Arts in Education major in Applied Linguistics-College of Teacher Education, Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 8, 1846-1860

Abstract: This study examines Mayor Lorife M. Otaza’s 2024 State of the Municipality Address in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, Philippines, through a transitivity analysis based on Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics framework. Using a qualitative approach, the research analyzes the official speech transcript to identify transitivity processes, conveyed ideologies, and linguistic strategies for navigating gender and power dynamics in local governance. Analysis of 120 clauses revealed a predominance of material processes (39.2%), followed by relational (29.2%) and behavioral (19.2%) processes, indicating a balance between action-oriented rhetoric and relationship-building language. The speech conveyed ideologies of progress, community unity, environmental stewardship, servant leadership, and accountability. Mayor Otaza’s linguistic construction of her leadership identity balanced assertiveness with inclusivity, employing strategies such as collective pronouns and action-oriented language. These linguistic choices strategically navigate gender expectations while asserting competence and vision. The findings contribute to our understanding of how language shapes political discourse and leadership identities, offering insights for political communication strategies and leadership development, particularly in the context of local Philippine governance. This research opens avenues for further exploration of language use in political spheres across various levels and contexts, highlighting the importance of linguistic choices in constructing effective leadership personas, especially for women in positions of power.

Date: 2024
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