In the Bohol Poll 2017 conducted by the HNU Center for Research & Publication from June 10 to July 10 this year, Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap made an unprecedented net satisfaction rating of 98%, which was six points higher than last year. The recent performance rating of the city mayor further sealed his perceived determination to run for his last term in the 2019 elections.
During radio surveys separately conducted by dyRD’s top rated “Inyong Alagad” program last May, the youthful mayor was well appreciated for the massive road improvement projects which was the most neglected program of his uncle, former Mayor Dan Lim. With the roads alone, Mayor Yap projected an extreme performance-rated mayor as compared to Lim whose term as city chief executive was marred with criticisms especially on the unattended road condition in the city.
Of the respondents surveyed by Bohol Poll, only 1% said they were not satisfied with Mayor Yap’s performance.
In tandem with the city mayor, last termer Gov. Edgar Chatto ranked second among top Bohol officials whose net satisfaction rating registered at 85% , which was four points higher than last year (81%).
Nine out of every 10 Boholanos have been satisfied with Chatto’s performance,
For Vice Gov. Dionisio Balite, the respondents registered a 70% net satisfaction rating with 7 and dissatisfied of Balite’s performance.
The survey gave the provincial government convincing grades in varied areas of governance as evidenced by the multiple-point increases in people’s satisfaction ratings.
It said, for example, that a great majority (71%) of the Boholanos have been satisfied with the provincial government in promoting investments with only a dissatisfied few of 10%.
This resulted in a net satisfaction rating of +61, which is 25 points higher than the +36 in last year’s survey.
Conducted from June 10 to July 20 this year, the Bohol Poll 2017 showed that “nine out of 10 (89%) Boholanos were satisfied” with Chatto’s performance while “only very few (4%)” said otherwise.
As a result, the governor earned very high 89% gross and +85 net satisfaction ratings, the latter posting four points more than the +81 he got in 2016.
Comparing the newest survey with the past, Chatto has remained highest and consistently topped in performance rating among the provincial officials, including the vice governor and three congressmen.
Chatto got in rural areas an even higher net satisfaction rating of +88, indicating that his current thrust of delivering programs, projects and services to the grassroot level must have been felt.
The grassroot level also involves barangay and purok communities where government neglect in the past dispensation must have been experienced, not merely perceived.
Close to half (48%) of the Boholanos said the “most important problem” in their place is “economic in nature.”
On this, the province’s sustainable development and inclusive growth agenda must have worked as the survey rated so positively the impact of government performance on different major concerns.
Providing livelihood opportunities and employment earned multiple points higher to +37 net satisfaction rating from last year’s +28; protecting the environment, +62 from +46; promoting tourism, +68 from +66; ensuring adequate food supply, +44 from +19; and protecting life and property, +54 from +32.
In controlling graft and corruption, the province earned a net satisfaction rating of +24 from -10, or 34 points higher, which, to some observers, must already speak well of the government effort.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso registered a net satisfaction rating of 79%
ALMOST PERFECT
First time in the history of the Bohol Poll that an elected official garnered an almost perfect score in its annual survey.
An overwhelming majority of 99% were satisfied with the performance of City Mayor Yap and only 1% said otherwise.
Also, the Tagbilaran City Government dramatically increased its ratings from last year. Investment Promotions got +76 this year, compared to only +59 last year, Livelihood and Employment generation was +42 last year and became +67 this year, Environmental Protection was +49 last year and soared at +79 this year.
The City Treasurer and the City Assessor offices were also cited as two of the best government offices in the entire province. Yap, a staunch believer of transparency and accountability in governance, has steadily gained momentum in his term upon his implementation of relevant initiatives which directly enhanced the life of the Tagbilaranons. Prominent of which were the rationalized road repair and concreting, streamlined operations in the City Treasurer, City Assessor and City Economic Enterprises offices which resulted to a dramatic increase in revenues.
This paved the way to an increased allocation in the Special Education Fund, greatly benefitting Tagbilaran City’s public schools. Mayor Yap is grateful to the unwavering commitment and support of the Tagbilaranons.
CONGRESSIONAL SURVEY
Last termer Rep. Rene Relampagos of the first district got a net satisfaction rating of 54% after 13% of the respondents said they were not satisfied with the solon’s performance.
Second Dist Rep. Aris Aumentado registered a high satisfaction rating of 85% as only 1% of his constituents said they were not satisfied.
Last termer Rep. Art Yap of the third district showed a net satisfaction rating of 74% as 8% were dissatisfied.
NATL LEADERS
Boholanos gave Pres. Rodrigo Duterte a 88% net satisfaction rating after 3% said they were dissatisfied.
Vice Pres. Leni Robredo’s net satisfaction rating was 53% as 15% were dissatisfied of the vice president’s performance.