A refugee camp. Chaotic as a public market at peak hour. A study of delight in disorder. Functional in the midst of stressful disarray of phases and chores. These were just a few images that pervaded my consciousness when I dropped by the “City Hall at JICA” last Tuesday, the 12th of November for an interview with Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Lim Yap II (JLY), aware that he may not even space me a 20-minute chat, for he was neck-deep in his obligations. Entering the once unperturbed APC offices, I saw a “war-zone,” not anymore shocking for I expected it. When I learned that the executive department offices at the 9-year old City Hall had changed venue for their operations. I already started to wonder how the hundred of personnel comfortably housed in spacious three storey-building could be cramped in a lobby and audio-visual room. Locating the Mayor’s table was even a labyrinthine task, only to learn that he has the same table also used by the City Administrator. I have heard of multi-tasking by personnel, but not by tables. A couple of officials occupied Mayor Baba’s time and although I was given a seat nearby, it was so close to them that I overheard them talking about finances. The Mayor was really fully immersed in his hands-on handling of the City offices. After me were several other anxious faces waiting for their turns to have a minute with the City’s Chief Executive. It became imperative that I had to rush the interview. Read on.

LMP:Still on top of the situation?

JLY: Yes. We are conducting our regular meetings with the CDRRMC (City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council), and the different committees of the City of Tagbilaran. As you can see, we are very congested here in the APC, but we are 100% functional. LMP:Is there a possibility you will not go back to the former City Hall?

JLY: We will transfer there in 7 to 8 months time. A major rehabilitation has to be done with the building. The structure is still okay as pronounced by our City Engineers and Structural Engineers who inspected the area, but the walls needed to undergo major repair.

LMP:How is it now here in APC? I have observed the area is overcrowded.

JLY: Yes, we are very congested. Some of the departments are here, and the others are outside. I am very visible to everyone because I don’t have my own office. That is why, when somebody wants to see a certain Department Head, instead of having a consultation with him first, he comes directly to me.

LMP:Is that an advantage?

JLY: Yes, it is, but on the other hand, a disadvantage also. There were times we could not accommodate all their concerns. With the set-up like this, everything goes to me directly, because they can see me right away, as they enter the door.

LMP:Are you not planning to stay somewhere else, so that, at least, there is a buffer?

JLY: As of now, we are looking still looking for an office. Actually, this table where I am sitting is for Edi Borja. So, when he came, I have to vacate somewhere else. (Laughs)

LMP:Are you not occupying the entire building?

JLY: No, because the APC personnel are still holding their office here.

LMP:This place is owned by the City, right?

JLY: Yes. We can take over the place, anytime. In fact, we had already sent our second letter, requesting them to vacate. The APC building was first owned by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), and was turned-over to the Province. Now, it is considered a City property.

LMP:How many people are involved, if in case, they are going to leave the place?

JLY: They are about 30 to 40 employees.

LMP:Are they still functional?

JLY: Yes, for the whole Province, not just for the City.

LMP:How about the legislative body, are they housed here also?

JLY: Yes, but they hold their sessions outside of APC.

LMP:Let’s go back to the damages of the earthquake. How much is the worth of damages for Tagbilaran City alone?

JLY: For our public infrastructures, the cost of damages reached to 250 million. As to the private sector, we are still gathering the data.

LMP:Among the government agencies, which are those who have already helpedthe situation, as far as, Tagbilaran City is concerned?

JLY: Many have already extended their support and assistance. In fact, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas was here, personally giving their aid. The DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) is also having relief goods distribution. The City of Davao, Toledo, Digos, and some private companies have also extended their help. As you can see, we still have our relief goods outside ready for distribution.

LMP:There is this problem in Leyte, have we done something about it, as far as, giving aid, or we are still concentrating in Tagbilaran?

JLY: As of now, our focus is the situation here in Tagbilaran City. We are planning to have a meeting with the City Officials of Tagbilaran, on what assistance we could give, whether it will be in monetary, relief goods, or send a team in Leyte. We are very willing to share to our brothers and sisters in Leyte.

LMP:There is a problem about light and water. And I think, the people of Tagbilaran are really suffering about these. How is that given solution?

JLY: Our Bohol Diesel Plant is now functioning. In fact, we are talking with Governor Chatto, with regards to our power supply. Those areas where the pumping units are located are to be prioritized, in order to provide water to the entire City. The rest of the barangays are given 3-hour ration of electricity.

LMP:These people affected by the earthquake, are they definitely identified?

JLY: Yes, including those residences that are partially and totally damaged.

LMP:What’s the help that is given, for those houses that are totally damaged?

JLY: Together with the NHA (National Housing Authority) we are giving P10,000 worth of materials. We are also discussing with the Provincial Government to set-up a housing project in the Cabawan area.

LMP:How about the sinkholes, what is the progress?

JLY: With regards to the sinkholes, the MGB (Mine and Geosciences Bureau) will be giving updates this afternoon during our meeting. In Poblacion I, we have evacuated some affected families.

LMP:How dangerous is this?

JLY: It is very dangerous, especially for those near the sinkhole. We really have to evacuate them because the rain started to pour, and the area is not safe for them anymore.

LMP:How about the way the City is run, has it been hampered terribly because of the calamity?

JLY: Our operation was held back because of the catastrophe. Some of the projects were stopped for a while because of the typhoon, like the road maintenance, but the rest are still ongoing. Our services at the City Hall were hampered for a week, after the 7.2 intensity earthquake hit the Province.

LMP:How about the working executive and legislative agenda, no ripples?

JLY: I believe, there is cooperation all throughout. In fact, we just had a meeting with our Vice Mayor Toto Veloso and the CDRRMC. Our Vice Mayor is always there to support our administration, especially now that we are suffering from thecalamity.

LMP:How are you now?

JLY: I am still alive and kicking, but definitely stressed more than ever. (Laughs) As what they said, “What doesn’t kill us will only make us stronger.”

LMP:I noticed a lot of things going on. There are still ripples, some criticisms, because there people who are not contented in whatever you do. What is your message to them, especially those who are still discontented?

JLY: This is not the time for politics. Now, is the time for unity, a time to lend a hand, not just for the people of Tagbilaran and the entire Province of Bohol, but also to our brothers and sisters in Leyte. We will rise again in God’s time.

I left after the brief interview, conscious that there is quite a chasm of difference administering a City in its normalcy, compared to times like this when a killer quake (with aftershocks still a scare) had taken its toll, followed by a super typhoon. With the residents devoid of some necessities, including energy and water, with buildings and houses needing rehabilitation, plus the throng of people who believe that only the Mayor can solve their problems, being that Mayor is a multifold calvary.

Mayor Baba’s positive attitude, which must be a part of his upbringing, is an ace when he faces problems – like the twin calamities the City just went through. His pleasant disposition when he talks to the City Hall supervisors and employees, and those who seek his audience for assorted reasons, is prevalent and consistent. His inspiring personality incarnates hope for all. This is a “charisma” that makes him bridge the gap with his constituents. He has kind words to his detractors who have made it their role to find faults even if there is none.

This young Chief Executive is not a fluke. He is always on top of any situation.

(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy.pal@gmail.com; cellphone: 09981701129)