CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — The new mayor here, the youngest in the city’s history, said he is open to criticisms against his leadership.
Mayor Dexter Uy, whose elder sister, Stephany was suspended as mayor for six months over charges of abuse of authority early this year said he expects criticisms from political opponents.
“I know that there will always be critics. I know that not all will agree with me, but I welcome criticisms with open arms especially if it’s constructive,” Uy said in an interview Tuesday.
Dexter, 25, is the third member of the influential Uy clan to rule the city. His father Coefredo was mayor for nine years until 2013. His sister succeeded for two terms.
“I hope my critics will always be fair. There are instances that critics no longer acknowledge the good things that we do because of being one-sided. They always find fault, an attitude that is not productive and detrimental to the development of our city,” Uy added.
The official issued three executive orders during his first day of office on Monday. The directives include allowing the entry of the new workforce to make them more responsive to the needs of the people, enhancement of the City’s Enforcement Unit to strictly implement local ordinances and create the Task Force Cleanliness to address poor solid waste management.
The mayor, who served as the city’s youth council federation president, asked residents for their cooperation.
Catbalogan City is the capital of Samar province with a population of 103,879. The city is Samar’s main commercial, trading, educational, financial and political center. The city is the gateway to the region’s three Samar provinces. (PNA/roel amazona)
