In a message during the proclamation of candidates of the City of Tagbilaran, Gov. Arthur Yap said that competence and performance will matter in the next election.
The governor, during the event at the Bohol Tropics on Oct. 8, 2021, talked about the current state of the economy of the province and the nation as Boholanos continue to struggle with the impact of the Coronavirus disease (Covid) that has affected, not only the lives of the Boholanos, but also their source of livelihood.
Yap asserts, “In the next election, it is the issue that will find the candidates, not the other way around.”
The governor shared with the supporters of Tagbilaran City’s TeamAsensoPaMore that according to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), it will take 10 years for the country to regain the economic stature achieved during the pre-Covid years.
In terms of value, the economic losses of the country is estimated at P40 trillion, according to information from the Capitol.
On the other hand, in the province, since the start of the quarantine restrictions back in March 2020, at least 300,000 jobs have been lost.
The governor reminded the people in attendance that since 78% of the gross value added to the local economy are revenues coming from tourism and services sector,
P15 to 18 billion worth of income in the province were lost.
Gov. Yap also revealed that the struggle to churn the local economy back to its old self is not the only problem in the province. The age-old problem of poor water supply still haunts the Boholanos.
While 500,000 Boholanos remain working in the agriculture sector, they are still living below the poverty line. This, too, must be addressed, the governor said.
It can be recalled that in one of the interviews of the governor he said, “Now is the most appropriate time to help our farmers and fisherfolks. We must strive to modernize agriculture. Value adding is the key to it. We must not only focus on increasing the production but also on processing and packaging to add value to our agricultural products, hence, ensuring food security and farmers’ profitability.”
Thus, with all the challenges ahead, in his speech, Gov. Yap said, “Our province needs a leader who has the competence, adunay katakus, kapasidad, dakong kasinatian aron makab-ot nato ang atong tinguha ug pangandoy para sa atong minahal nga lalawigan sa Bohol. Moreover, we need someone who has the technical capacity, performance and track record to turn our vision, our dream into reality.”
BUHAT KONTRA SAAD
Gov. Yap echoed Tagbilaran City mayoralty bet First Lady Jane Yap’s statement “buhat kontra saad”.
He said that looking back in the past nine years of Mayor Baba Yap’s incumbency, Tagbilaran City has plenty to give thanks for.
He added, “Apan ang umaabot eleksyon, dili kabahin ni Baba. Sama usab sa atong lalawigan, ang umaabot eleksyon, dili kabahin sa atong grupo. Tungod kay ang tinuod nga mensahe sa piniliay kabahin kana sa atong mga programa ug proyekto nga atong gihimo aron matabangan ang katawhan. Kabahin kana sa pagkab-ot sa atong damgo para sa Bohol. Kabahin kana sa kalambuan sa atong dakbayan ug lalawigan.”
The governor asserts that the gains of Tagbilaran under Mayor Baba Yap’s term cannot be questioned. That is also why the Pundok Padayon Bol-anon led by Gov. Yap, Vice Governor Rene Relampagos and Cong. Edgar Chatto, supports TeamAsensoPa More of Mayor Yap, First Lady Jane Yap and Councilor Adam Jala.
Gov. Yap said, “I am sure that where Tagbilaran goes, Bohol goes with you. So as where Bohol goes, Tagbilaran goes. We are not only intertwined, we are joined. That is why Pundok Padayon Bol-anon supports Team Asenso Pa More and that is why TeamAsensoPaMore remained under Pundok Padayon Bol-anon.”
SPREAD HOPE, FAITH AND TRUTH
In closing, Gov. Yap reminded the public that if there is a need to spread anything, let it be truth, hope and faith.
He said, “In these trying times, we need more than ever to be united. Dili ta magpabira sa mga fake news ug mga pangdaut. Sa umaabot nga mga adlaw, daghan pang mga pangdaut ang atong madungog tungod kay duol na man ang piniliay. Kahibaw ko nga mamahimong init ang sitwasyon tungod kay ang atong mga supporters passionate pud nga motubag sa mga intriga. Apan, ang atong huna-hunaon kanunay mao ang pagsiguro nga makalingkawas ta sa hulga sa pandemya. Dili mahimong mabahin-bahin ta tungod sa pulitika.”
He added, “Remember, we are still one Boholano family. Let us bring down the forces that divide us. Instead, let us unite for Bohol. Let us unite for our vision of more development and progress. Spread truth, faith and hope instead of fake news and malice.”
Together with Gov. Yap, Vice Gov. Relampagos, Cong. Chatto, 2nd District Congressional Contender Jaja Jumamoy, 3rd District Congressional Candidate Kat Lim, Board Member Aldner Damalerio, Board Member Ricky Masamayor and returning Board Member Benjie Arcamo were also in attendance in the proclamation of candidates for Team Asenso Pa More on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, according to the Provincial Information and Media Relations (PRIMER) office.