• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Miguel Angelo Yulo, a grandson of former Mayor Emilio Yulo Montalvo and the son of Negros Occidental 5th district Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, formally assumed office as mayor of Isabela, Negros Occidental, on July 7.
“I didn’t dream of becoming a mayor,” Miguel Angelo said during his inaugural rites on Monday, which also coincided with his 25th birthday. He is the second youngest mayor to be elected in Negros Occidental, next to 23-year old E.B. Magalona Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon.
I have other dreams. I believe I was for something else. I wanted to explore the world, build a future of my own choosing. But service has a way of calling me, the neophyte mayor said.
Recalling and observing the works of father and comments he got from his fellow Isabelenos on how his grandfather served as the town mayor, Miguel Angelo said “this was not a legacy I inherited. It was a mission. I was called to continue.”
He admitted that many have been questioning his capacity and ability to lead Isabela, being too young and inexperienced and nothing to prove, and that his father will still be the mayor.
But the young mayor said he will prove them wrong.
I do not promise perfection, but I promise to be there for the Isabeleños, that every decision I make, the welfare of the people will come first, not pride, politics, and not for personal gains, he also stressed.
Miguel Angelo also got emotional during his inaugural speech, due to the presence of his grandfather-predecessor, which he said is selective when it comes to attending gatherings and meeting people.
Former Mayor Yulo-Montalvo, who is now 89 years old, also served as three terms as board member of Negros Occidental, after serving as mayor of Isabela. His son, Emilio Bernardino, also served as a board member and vice governor of Negros Occidental, before being elected as congressman of the Negros Occidental 5th district.
Prior to his present position, Miguel Angelo served as chief of staff of his father at the House of Representatives for three years.
“Put people first,” Rep. Yulo told his son.
During his inaugural speech, Miguel Angelo revealed the AMIGO framework, which he will implement in his three years of administration, which is Agriculture-Medical-Infrastructure-Good quality of education-Openness of offices.
He added that they will invest in food security, provide access to affordable health services for all town residents, concreting interior roads, more school constructions and establishment of street lights, scholarship grants for deserving students, among others.
Miguel Angelo assured Isabeleños that his office opens to anybody, to be transparent in budget and consultative in decision making.*
