Tomorrow, July 1, 2013, is a day to celebrate, especially for the 15 Barangays of Tagbilaran, not only because it marks the 47th Charter Day of the City, but it is also the first day of the new administration of Honorable John Geesnell Lim Yap II as Mayor of the only City in Bohol. Many rejoiced when he came out victorious in the May election and, now that he will take the reins of governance, expectations are high that the development of Tagbilaran will not just be a matter of lip-service.

This 30-minute interview took place in “Nangutana Lang,” DYRD-ZD, last June 21, 2013.

LMP: There are lots of things that we need to ask, and which you need to answer, especially that you will be taking your Oath-of-Office at the end of the month. I would like to start with the first question: what are your priorities in the first 100 days of your administration?

JLY:I will start with Human Resource Development Department. One of the most important aspects to be taken is personnel audit. Next, is to review and evaluate their performances in their respective assignments, because each department has a role in making Tagbilaran a prosperous City.

LMP:Just a little clarification, Mayor, there was a mention of the word “audit.” But when it comes to HRD, it’s not money that is involved here, right? It is people. How would you do it?

JLY:The first thing we asked when we had our transition team, was the specific job description of the different offices and personnel. That is very important at this point that we are trying to have our manpower pooling, finding the best people to be placed in the right position, for them to be effective and efficient public servants.

LMP:If you find out that there are some people who are not effective, or they are incompetent, are they supposed to be ousted?

JLY:There is a process, and part of the HRD program is to have a job evaluation. We can never have a very effective assessment, if we do not know the specific responsibilities of each employee. We will check all their capabilities and educational background, and make sure they fit to the position.

LMP:Is there a possibility that there are employees at the City Hall, whose qualifications are not related to the job given?

JLY:It can happen, Sir Loy. Like any institution, this is one aspect of the recruitment process. If we hire a lot of wrong people, and put them in the wrong positions, it would be very detrimental. We will make sure to hire the best people, and place them in the right positions. It’s the first step towards progress.

LMP:How about those who have been there a longtime? Some of them have backers.

JLY:As mentioned earlier, the evaluation of the personnel is performance-based, and will not be influenced by party affiliations.

LMP:Aside from the programs of the HRD, what are your other priorities in the first 100 days as Mayor?

JLY:Our other concern is on infrastructure, most especially the roads. We have heard a lot of feedbacks coming from the tourists, and the local populace about this issue. The Engineering Department is mandated to assess the status of the project for us to know its development.

LMP:People are happy to hear that. You mentioned in one interview that we had here, that you are going to add more scholars. Will that push through?

JLY:Yes, as long as the qualification of the child fits to the criteria to become a City Scholar, then he will be accepted.

LMP:Just for the benefit of our listeners, what kind of scholarship is this?

JLY:We are giving a subsidy of P5,000 per student, who qualifies for the scholarship grant.

LMP:Aside from infrastructure, education, what are your other priorities?

JLY:Our water works system is also an important factor. Until now, some of the barangays are not receiving sufficient supply of water. For the health sector, we are planning to extend more hospitalization aids to the people.

LMP:What is the existing subsidy given to people as hospitalization aid?

JLY:We have the Blue Card Program but it was suspended. As of now, no one can avail the said services.

LMP: Are you planning to revive the program?

JLY: Yes, but, we are going to craft a new health care program for our constituents.

LMP: How about the Botika sa Katawhan?

JLY: We have already decided to carry-over the program in our administration. The free medicine given to the people is a big help to them.

LMP: The next question is, will you also have a Deputy Mayor?

JLY: We still have to discuss that with the group, and we will make the announcement, if there is any.

LMP: You mentioned earlier your transition team, who are they?

JLY: The Chairman of our transition team is Councilor Edi Borja. Also, included in the group are Councilor Beben Inting, Sir Matt Nemenzo, John Torralba, Councilor Edgar Bompat, ABC President Faro Cabalit, Councilors-elect Adam Jala, and Jojo Bompat. They will convene with the administration team. The composition of the members of the team will be a juxtaposition of different angles. Those who already knew the situation of the City Hall can make the necessary adjustments to have a better resolution. Whereas, the new-comers will be able to inject into the team, fresh ideas for further development.

LMP: One of the sectors that need a thorough preparation is the cultural aspect. For instance, the Sandugo is coming in July. Is there a Sundugo celebration this year?

JLY: Yes, in fact we already have the scheduled activities released by the Chairman of the Sandugo Foundation. We have street parade, street party, the Miss Bohol pageant, and the nightly events in the Tagbilaran Port area. We also have additional activities to be announced soon.

LMP:I am happy to hear that. I started Sandugo in 1988. For the past many years, I was the one who did it, except for the past few years. I know there are changes. How do you do it in just a few weeks? Regularly, the preparation is at least three months? You must be Superman.

JLY:I am not Superman, Sir Loy, but I am trying to be like him. (Laughs) The effort in making the celebration possible is not only credited to the City of Tagbilaran, but also to the Provincial Government of Bohol.

LMP:Regarding the physical appearance of the City Hall, many have observed that the municipal halls of some towns are more appealing to the eyes than that of the City. What is your reaction to that observation?

JLY:In our administration, the landscaping and the reengineering of the City Hall will be one of our priorities because it is our show window. Actually, there is a budget intended for that every year, but we don’t why it was not used. We are hoping that the budget is still there, so that we could start the necessary reconstruction of the City Hall.

LMP: How would you assess your administration, Mayor-elect Baba Yap?

JLY: It will be a transparent administration in a democratic setting, all geared for the development of Tagbilaran City.

LMP: Your parting words?

JLY: Before anything else, I would like to thank you, Sir Loy, for inviting me again in your radio program. To the people of Tagbilaran, I am hoping that under my administration, we will work together hand-in-hand, and embrace each role we portray towards a progressive Tagbilaran City.

Highly perceptible about Baba Yap is his desire to be at his best in everything he does. He does not leave anything to chance. He labors for it. And at the same time he knows how to listen; and it is noticeable that although he lends his ears, he knows how to screen what he hears, before making his decision. A mark of a good Leader, knowing so fully well that now that he is the Number One Citizen of Tagbilaran, there are a lot of kibitzers who would wax poetic in order to take a ride in his bandwagon.

He reminds me of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” who, like the legendary Robin Hood, deprived the rich of what he gave to the poor. The semblance is only in name, for Baba is not hunted by law, but loved by all; and he is not surrounded by thieves, but by well-meaning individuals who like to see him succeed in his mission to make Tagbilaran a Model City. If there is one or two bad eggs in his basket, he knows how to humor them. His giftedness in decision-making is well-admired, starting from the time when he has voted Number One Councilor. Now, that he is at the helm of City Hall, he knows he will be facing gargantuan problems. But he is ready for them. And we know he will beat all the odds.

To Baba Yap and the people of Tagbilaran... CONGRATULATIONS!

(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy.pal@gmail.com; cellphone: 09498345957)