H The campaign period in the election last May was like any other before it – intriguing, aggressive, colorful, exhausting, frenzied, crucial, expensive, and exasperating. I had the privilege of interviewing many of the local candidates in my radio program “Nangutana Lang,” DYRD-ZD, 6:30-7:00 PM, daily except Sunday. They came, they answered, they showed their communication prowess, they impressed, they hoped to win. Through these live-interviews, I exchanged thoughts with the good, the better, and the best. Although their first experience was intimidating, they later became experts in air-wave banter.

One of those I noticed to have learned the interview-ropes upscale was Mayor Baba Yap, who became my favorite subject for the simple reason that he impressed me as honest and adept, especially as the election day was near. And all throughout our DYRD-ZD sessions, there was this one ever-present individual always tagging him. I learned later that he was not only present in the radio interviews, but also in most of Baba’s outings in the campaign trail.

Subsequent interview sessions, and even the Mayor’s Forum in ‘Your Voice. My Choice. Our Future.” at the University of Bohol Gym in March, made me realize that the guy indeed was playing directly a significant role in the Baba candidacy.

The guy? Matthew Sy Nemenzo (MSN). A great talent. Read on.

LMP: Who is Matt Nemenzo?

MSN:I am originally from Cebu City, but I fell in love with Bohol. I used to be the Human Resource Manager of Orange Brutus Food, the biggest fastfood chain in Cebu before Jollibee came. I also had an opportunity to be the HR Manager of INNODATA, one of the biggest and first BPO in Mandaue. Qualifications-wise, I believe, I am competent enough to fill in the shoes as HRD Manager of the City Government.

LMP: Where did you finish your studies?

MSN: I finished my secondary education at the University of San Carlos. In college, I took up BS Psychology at the University of San Jose-Recoletos, and graduated in 1995.

LMP: Why did you come to Bohol?

MSN: I was offered a job to be a Guidance Counselor in one of the private schools here. I find Bohol very peaceful and the best place for my three kids to grow. So, my wife and I decided to settle down in Tagbilaran for good. We are here for seven years now.

LMP: How come you met Baba Yap?

MSN: It’s a long story, actually. Baba’s bestfriend who has a brother working in Holy Spirit School is a very good friend of mine. During the election period, he was looking for people who would be part of his campaign, especially one who would handle the media, some PR works, his presentations, etc. That’s where I got on board.

LMP: In the inaugural speech of Mayor Baba Yap, he said that his first priority is the problems of the City Hall, especially about personnel. What are the changes that you would like to happen?

MSN: In the first departmental meeting that we had, all the Department Heads were present and they were very optimistic of the new administration. One of their concerns is to have additional manpower. I requested them to specify the number of casual employees needed, the qualifications, and the specific job description for two purposes. First, to make sure that the manpower pool to be given to them are the best qualified persons for the positions. Second, inorder to monitor our program in providing casual personnel, and prevent abuse of authority.

LMP: Is it expected that there is a trimming down in the number of employees?

MSN: Not exactly trimming down or increasing the number. Whatever is best for the City is our main goal. We know Mayor Baba; he prioritizes the grassroots by providing them the needed social services, and that means a lot of people.

LMP: But of course, not just any kind of people. They should be qualified for the job and know their responsibilities.

MSN: Exactly, that is the first mandate of Mayor Baba to us.

LMP: Do the existing employees at the City Hall know their job description?

MSN: Yes. They know what department they are assigned, as well as their specific job responsibilities.

LMP: When will the people of Tagbilaran feel the changes at the City Hall? We are not expecting this early but when will it happen?

MSN: To tell you the truth, Sir Loy, today it started already. We can feel the enthusiasm of the people at the City Hall.

LMP: Aside from you, who are the others newly appointed Department Heads?

MSN: We have Mr. John Torralba, who will head the GSO. He is young, very qualified and hardworking. The former City Councilor Edi Borja, is our new City Administrator. The rest have their own Department Heads existing and, others are on acting capacity.

LMP: These people who are on acting capacity, are they subject for replacement or will they stay?

MSN: There is an assessment process to be done.

LMP: What are these departments?

MSN: I could not remember the exact number, I think there are two or three departments.

LMP: How about the Planning Department?

MSN: As of the moment, we do have a head.

LMP: How about agriculture, is that a department at the City Hall?

MSN: I presume so. But I believe, in the new staffing pattern some are to be fused, if I’m not mistaken.

LMP: DSWD... is that a part of the set-up?

MSN: Our Social Welfare Department is headed by Dr. Villafuerte. In fact, in the meeting that we had, she was proposing a lot of activities. Mayor Baba gave his commitment to support all the programs that benefit the people and the City of Tagbilaran.

LMP: In the health sector, how many doctors do we have now?

MSN: I think, there are two or three existing Doctors, and the others are contractual who are assigned to the barangays.

LMP: How about our Chief of Police, was he there during the meeting?

MSN: Actually, that meeting was only intended for the City Hall Department Heads. The other departments under the LGU are to be scheduled for a separate meeting.

LMP: Last year, there was this Multi-Sectoral Governance Council created. Will it be continued?

MSN: Definitely, and we are now evaluating the road map that has been made. In fact, we attended their conference, and Pundok Panaghiusa was the only group in complete attendance. Mayor Baba is very keen on the services to be given by the NGOs, private organizations, and the multi-sectoral groups. They play a great role on transparency in the City Hall transactions.

LMP: Young as Mayor Baba is, I know he is qualified. He would be able to solve the problems, but it would not be easy. I hope that the department heads would really do their best. In the meeting that took place, how did they welcome the newly elected Mayor?

MSN: We could see the gladness on their faces. Mayor Baba asked each of them to name all the problems of their respective departments.

LMP: Does it mean that the Mayor will be the one to solve their problems?

MSN: There are problems that can be solved by the department itself. However, it needs the Mayor’s assistance and approval.

LMP: Like what?

MSN: For example, request for vehicles, budget proposal for their projects, etc.

LMP: Talking about vehicles, the City Hall has a Motorpool, right?

MSN: Yes, Sir Loy, we have one.

LMP: Are those vehicles parked in the Motorpool still in good condition?

MSN: Some are usable but the others are not anymore functional.

LMP: I’ve heard a lot of talks that there are only two or three garbage trucks running around the City collecting waste materials. Is it true?

MSN: We have heard about that issue also. In fact, it was included in the inaugural speech of Mayor Baba that only 3 out of 20 garbage trucks are in good running condition. The garbage problem is also one of the priority programs of the Mayor. Hopefully, it will be resolved the soonest possible time. The Executive Order No. 1 is already signed, which is the creation of a Technical Working Group as his first mandate that will do the review and verification of the issues involved.

LMP: What is the composition of this TWG?

MSN: Mayor Baba wants a total participation not only from the departments in City Hall but also from COA, NGOs, private organizations, multi-sectoral groups, and even from media, so that, the Tagbilaranons will see the real situation of the City.

LMP: Hopefully, the said representatives of the different sectors have no personal interest. That is one criterion in creating a working group... self-interest should be out, 100%.

MSN: Yes, definitely. As of now, we are still on the process of deliberating. It is important that the composition of the group is very objective, no political color involved, and their perspective must be for the good of the people.

LMP: In the meeting that took place, was there a mention about the financial aspect of the City?

MSN: Yes, there was but not in specific details. Like, the request of the different offices for renovation, the change of outdated computer system, etc. We cannot move forward if our equipment are not complete.

LMP: Does it follow that the existing office equipment will be replaced?

MSN: We still have to assess the equipment because some are still functional, and can be upgraded. But the others must be changed with a newer model in order to provide faster services to the people.

LMP: The biggest problem there is money. It is good to talk about projects but the question is, where is the funding? Was that not mentioned in the meeting?

MSN: It was not brought out in the general meeting because Mayor Baba, will still have to talk to each Department Head, one-on-one. It is going to be detailed in order to come up with an action plan to address each problem and concern.

LMP: Your parting words?

MSN: Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed in your radio program, Sir Loy, this is my second time to be here. To the people of Tagbilaran, I could guarantee you that Mayor Baba Yap is doing his best to make our City progressive for the benefit of everyone.

Gab-gifted and visibly well-qualified for a job in organizational management, Mr. Nemenzo is a product of one of the best schools in the country. As a Psychology graduate he knows human behavior like the palm of his hand, which makes him perfect for the job as Head of the HRD (Human Resource Development) Office of the City Government. His very recent job before he was kept busy in the campaign period was as Guidance Counselor of HSS (Holy Spirit School). An excellent communicator well-versed in diverse subjects and current issues, he is a consistently steady foil to the Mayor of Tagbilaran City.

His persona is what City Hall needs in harnessing the right perspectives focusing to the right direction, not like many “15-30” political appointees who are a blithe to the country’s economy and moral ascendency.

(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy_pal@yahoo.com; cellphone: 09498345957)