He has been the object of the most vicious demolition job ever, but Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim is not about to be distracted by the barbs of his foes. “Attitude and state of mind are very important. I say they are indispensable requirements for people who want to succeed in life,” he declared. The mayor said many people may not be aware of it “but it is the positive mindset that determines whether we make it or not.” Notwithstanding protestations to the contrary, there is no way to look at the bad press that the mayor is getting from one segment of the media but personal in nature. “I cannot stop them from attacking me 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but to say it's nothing personal is a downright lie,” the combative mayor insisted. Still, Lim said he is not going to deprive his constituents of the quality service that he has envisioned just because his critics bash him without let-up. “I am no cry baby and I can take the worst hit that they can give,” he noted. Lim recalled that when he assumed office in 2004, he made a commitment to keep a positive mindset no matter what.

“As I spelled out right from the start, our priority is to raise the quality of life of our people. To accomplish this, we give priority to providing basic needs,” he declared. The mayor believes that the complete turn-around in the press that he is getting has something to do with the policies that he has implemented. He pointed out that it is normal for a government executive who is firm in implementing the law to step on the toes of people. “You antagonize people when you collect taxes, when you arrest criminals, when you disapprove permits for those who refuse to comply with zoning and environmental regulations, when you relocate squatters and demand compliance with the Setback Law and other mandated laws,” he reasoned. Lim said that he does not agree with many of them but he will implement them no matter who gets hurt. The mayor said he is aware that most of the negative publicity that the city is getting is actually personal in nature. “Those who have an axe to grind against me do not hesitate to undermine legitimate and laudable projects if it will destroy me politically,” he disclosed.

The mayor however said that this did not come as a surprise as he reiterated he is ready to bite the bullet. “When I assumed office, I made a commitment to make a difference. Along the way, there are sacrifices that have to be made and popularity is one of them. You cannot please everybody so you have to choose between pleasing those who work for the common good and those who want everything for themselves – and for free,” he said. In a not-so-subtle dare to potential challengers, the mayor said he does not wish to deprive every person who desires to serve in the government the privilege that he now enjoys.

Lim however stressed that he promised himself that he will do what it takes to serve the majority of the people and the future generations. “Today, as I look at the challenges that confront us individually and collectively, I feel that I have found the answer to why I had to wait this long,” he revealed. The mayor said the city has not faced challenges “such as the one staring at us in the face right now.” “And while others fall into the tap of self-pity and paralysis, I realized that God chose the best people to face the biggest challenges and to fight the hardest battles,” he added. The mayor said that whether they like it or not, the people of Tagbilaran have to work together because their very survival is at stake. “I don't know about you, but I hold on to the belief that God has bigger things in store for us individually and collectively. This is why He declared for us to be born together, at about the same time, for a time such as this,” he said with emphasis. Lim certainly left no doubts that he won't be distracted by the barbs of his foes.