TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 30 (PIA) -- Mayor-elect Edgardo “Boy” Arcay took his oath of office as the new mayor of the municipality of Panglao on June 29.

Arcay formally took his oath before Judge Raul Barbarona at the St. Augustine Parish Church, where family members, department officials, barangay leaders, and supporters gathered.

“Ang akong pagbarug dinhi karon sa inyong atubangan, pagmatuod sa atong paghiusa alang sa gidamgo nga kausaban ug kausaban sa atong pinanggang lungsod sa Panglao (Me standing here before you is proof of our unity of our dream for change and change for our beloved town of Panglao),” Arcay said.

As the new mayor, Arcay vowed to make Panglao town business-friendly and provide assistance to local fishermen, snorkeling guides, divers, and tourist boat operations.

The former international ship captain also resolved to end corruption in the municipal government by eliminating the under-the-table transactions and illegal solicitations by traders.

“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 bear the cross, we will be able to bear it, no matter how hard with the help of Senior San Agustin,” Arcay said.

He said small businesses do not have to deal with the ordeal of waiting to redeem a permit or license.

The municipal government, he added, must help investors to increase employment opportunities as he also vowed for a more robust tourism in Panglao as a famous tourist destination for its white-sand beaches and world-class diving sites.

“The benefits of Panglao’s tourism industry must flow to the citizens in order to provide employment to our communities and strengthen our economy,” Arcay said.

Born and raised in Panglao, Arcay said he felt how it is being denied access to genuine service from the government.

Before entering politics, Arcay served as a harbor pilot in the ports of Surigao, Maasin and Bislig City, and was a member of the board of directors of the United Harbor Pilots Association of the Philippines. (ECB/PIA7 Bohol)