By Edalyn B. Acta & Nycel Jane Dela
In his first ever State of the Municipality Address (SOMA), Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa highlighted his administration’s mantra for transparency in using public funds of the Municipality of Panay.
“Diri sa aton banwa, wala sang ghost projects (In our town, there are no ghost projects),” Besa said when he delivered his SOMA at Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall last July 22, 2026.
“Ang may ari lang diri sa aton, mapisan nga serbisyo—serbisyo nga may integridad, serbisyo nga may malasakit, kag serbisyo nga may pananagutan (What we have here is giving diligent service—a service with integrity, service with compassion, and service with responsibility),” Besa added.
Health care topped the Besa administration’s accomplishments. In just one year, the municipality distributed 54,635 medicines to 1,795 patients and strengthened partnerships the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to expand free consultations, medicines. There are also plans to establish the iClinic, an additional dental clinic, a dialysis center, and a ₱7-million Primary Care Facility.
The Besa administration also secured ₱5 million for medical equipment, ₱1 million for sanitation projects, and allocated ₱1.5 million to improve sanitation facilities in coastal barangays.
Besa also reported that over ₱85 million in Emergency Cash Transfer assistance benefited around 17,100 residents affected by Typhoon Ramil. The municipality likewise released more than ₱3.7 million in aid for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and indigent families, and over ₱4 million under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
The mayor also cited the approval of the Panay Scholarship Ordinance for at least 300 scholars, rehabilitation of the Agojo Bridge, the planned Bantay Dagat Watchtower in Barangay Pawa, and proposed construction of a new Municipal Hall and Public Market.
Panay also surpassed its local revenue target by collecting ₱5.48 million, or 80.4 percent above its ₱3.04-million goal, while distributing rice seed assistance to more than 3,600 farmers.
Besa also vowed that his priority programs will continue to serve the people of Panay.
Caption
Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa delivers his 1st State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) last July 22, 2026. (Photos by Shane Villarico)
