FILE PHOTO: A stretch of powdery white sand and clear waters have been attracting tourists to Alona Beach on Panglao Island, one of the most popular summer destinations in Bohol province. INQUIRER/LEO UDTOHAN
TAGBILARAN CITY — The new mayor of Panglao town, a prime tourist destination in Bohol province, pledged to make his town business-friendly sans irregularities as he formally took his oath on Wednesday.
Edgardo “Boy” Arcay made his pledge before Judge Raul Barbarona at the St. Augustine Parish Church, where family members, supporters, department officials, and barangay leaders, among others, gathered.
“Let’s make our town business-friendly. Let’s eliminate under-the-table transactions and illegal solicitations by traders,” said Arcay, an international ship captain.
He also resolved to end corruption in the municipal government.
“Today is the end of the abusive and careless administration in our town. Today is the beginning of providing real service and service to the people that will provide opportunity and hope for comprehensive development for all the people of Panglao. This is also the day my calvary begins, but if we help a lot and bear the cross, we will be able to bear it, no matter how hard, ” said Arcay.
He also vowed to more robust tourism in Panglao as a famous tourist destination for its white-sand beaches and world-class diving sites.
He said small businesses don’t have to deal with the ordeal of waiting to redeem a permit or license.
The municipal government, he said, must help investors to increase employment opportunities.
“The benefits of Panglao’s tourism industry must flow to the citizens in order to provide employment to our communities and strengthen our economy,” he said.
Born and raised in Panglao, Arcay said he felt how it is being denied access to genuine service from the government.
“We know how we feel when we are ignored by the people we serve and entrusted with the task of serving us. For many years, we have been ignored by the people we help to become officials in our town. Most of us here have experienced the bad behavior of officials and employees in the municipality, who abuse and take pride in their position, power, and unselfishly show that they are superior to us,” said Arcay.
“We are all frustrated and angry with our government that instead of serving us, it is instead disparaging us ordinary citizens. I am just like you, my Panglaoan brothers. Wishing for innovation in our beloved town,” he added.
Before entering politics, Arcay sailed the high seas for almost four decades. He served as a harbor pilot in Surigao, Maasin, and Bislig City ports.
He was a member of the board of directors of the United Harbor Pilots Association of the Philippines.
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