The much praised election of Anda Mayor Metodio “Dodong” Amper during a hotly contested 2013 town polls in which he trampled a long-reigning conjugal regime by a mere 60 votes marked the end of decades of corruption, abuse of power, apathy, and hopelessness. Eight months since Mayor Dodong assumed office, the town of Anda has never been the same again. For one thing, the new mayor has introduced a new brand of public service that truly caters to the needs of his people. No wonder the Provincial Government of Bohol is committed to transforming the once sleepy town into a tourism jewel in the province because Capitol can now communicate with the local government unit in the spirit of selfless public service. For the first time in history, Capitol officials can now engage a sensible talk with the new administration in Anda. In the past, it was nearly impossible for provincial officials to implement projects in Anda because the old leadership was too devoted in self-enrichment, neglecting the welfare of Andahanons.

A day before the 139th birthday of Anda on March 12, 2014, Gov. Edgar Chatto's legendary HEAT IT Caravan was brought to Anda. And for the first time, the people of this town, many of whom have no means to travel to the capital city, were able to avail of government services not offered to them before. But even before Chatto's HEAT IT Caravan, many provincial officials and concerned Boholanos have expressed intentions to reach out to the people of Anda now that a new leadership is bridging the gap between people and government. Indeed the election of Mayor Dodong Amper, while it brought untold joys worldwide, has signaled a new hope for the people of Anda. “I just want to serve the people of Anda,” Mayor Dodong told The Post during an informal interview. “I know that our people have been waiting for change to come, and change has indeed arrived in our town.” Of course, there is no magic in changing the old face of Anda. There are no shortcuts to real progress and development. It takes a lot of effort. It requires patience and determination. And Mayor Dodong is always on the lookout how he can make a difference in the lives of every Andahanon. With the brilliant guidance of his trusted town administrator, Reinerio “Enie” Makinano, Mayor Dodong is always on track of the promises he had made to his constituents. Makinano has always been considered as the brainchild of Anda's political revolution, and Mayor Dodong is aware that his detractors are hell bent on destroying Makinano so that they could regain their lost power.

However, Mayor Dodong knows who his true friends are. He also knows who are the enemies of Anda's march to progress. “I know where the boundary is,” Mayor Dodong said. “I know that sometimes I can be misunderstood because I talk even to those who are perceived as political enemies. Regardless of your political affiliation, I believe that we can work together for the good of the people of Anda.” But Mayor Dodong has made it clear that he will not compromise his integrity, credibility and principles. He said he would not tolerate any wrong doing. Being a friend, he said, does not guarantee that he would approve one's action. The measure of his approval is based on what is legal and ethical. On hindsight, the mayor also knows that the town and its people must be healed from the wounds of the past. Nearly three decades of drought of public service had somehow made people think that government is non-existent in this town.

“We have a lot of work to do to rebuild the town,” Mayor Dodong said. “Rebuilding Anda cannot be accomplished overnight, but I am confident that with the support of our people and with all barangay and town officials we can achieve our dreams.” Mayor Dodong has made this assurance: he would never allow Anda to be ruled again by the same old tyrannical power that once oppressed its people. “I will sacrifice everything just to keep Anda in good hands,” the mayor said, hinting that his vision for this beautiful town looks beyond 2016. (MIKE ORTEGA LIGALIG)