Calape’s newly elected mayor has outlined immediate reforms with staffing and budget constraints while promising healthcare infrastructure improvements during his first radio interview since taking office.
Mayor Junie Yu, who transitioned from vice mayor to mayor, told DYTR radio program hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta that accommodating personnel amid limited funds and few vacant positions has created pressure from supporters seeking jobs.
“Ang first jud na na encounter nato na problema katong pag pahiluna sa atong mga tawo, gamay ra ang pundo gamay ra ang vacant positions mao gyud na niya daghan ug mga demands gikan sa tong mga supporters,” Yu said during the interview.
The mayor stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted basic services, particularly healthcare, despite personnel transitions.
“Ika duha atong pag pahiluna sa mga basic services,” he said, noting the critical need for continuous hospital operations.
Yu comes from a family deeply rooted in medicine, with two children working as doctors alongside numerous relatives in the medical profession.
“Kani ako mga anak duha kabuok doctor ako pud mga igsoon si Dr. Oliver ako na ig agaw naa pud koy mga pag umangkon pud na doctor napud,” he said.
During his vice mayoral tenure, Yu said his family members participated in medical missions across barangays, a program he pledges to continue and expand as mayor.
When discussing his long-term vision for Calape, Yu prioritized healthcare infrastructure as his primary focus.
“Ang akoa jung eimprove ang atong healthcare facilities sa atong lungsod sa Calape kay doctor man ta naa pud ta hospital,” he said.
Specific healthcare improvements include establishing a dialysis center and upgrading the town’s infirmary, addressing gaps in specialized medical services for residents.
On the agricultural front, Yu cited completed irrigation projects in Calape that he said will benefit local farmers.
“We have finished irrigation called Small Water Function Projects that can provide water to almost a thousand hectares,” he said.
However, the mayor acknowledged serious problems about African Swine Fever (ASF) affecting the municipality.
“ASF has reached Calape, it’s very alarming and many pigs have died here,” Yu said, noting the implementation of strict control and monitoring protocols following provincial government directives.
Yu also identified Calape’s Gothic architecture church as a valuable tourism asset that could contribute to the municipality’s economic development.
Yu committed to regular participation in similar public information activities to maintain transparency and keep residents informed about his administration’s progress and challenges.