The local government of Polanco gathered a crowd of eager residents, officials, and stakeholders at the annual State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on March 26, 2025, where Mayor Evan Hope “Boyet” D. Olvis delivered an in-depth report on the municipality’s achievements, challenges, and future plans. The event, held at the Polanco Municipal Gymnasium, marked a moment of reflection on the past nine years and a roadmap for the future.
Before proceeding with his report, Mayor Boyet Olvis began his SOMA by paying tribute to his late colleague and fellow public servant, the Hon. Leopoldo Atad, ABC President of Polanco, while earnestly requesting prayers for justice.
“Polanco, Lungsod ko, Pinangga ka!” – his solemn vow and deepest promise to the Polancohanons that has guided every decision he made as Mayor, was his opening phrase as he started his SOMA. Reflecting on his nine years as Local Chief Executive of Polanco, Mayor Boyet highlighted the eight major projects and milestones that uniquely defined his journey with and for the Polancohanons. These included the Community Outreach Program Service Caravan, the Pabahay Program, Cakes for Lolo and Lola, the Distribution of 30 Mobile Patrol Cars, the Learning Hub for Schools, the Mega Isolation Facility, the Polanco Food Hub and Children’s Playground, and lastly, the Sanitary Landfill. These pet-projects are collectively known as Tatak Boyet Olvis – Tatak Polancohanon.
Emphasizing the guidance of the municipality’s blueprint for development—‘To provide basic programs and services, and to empower individuals, families, and communities to enhance their quality of life’—Mayor Olvis presented his Six-Point Priority Development Agenda to address the pressing concerns of the municipality he vowed to serve. This agenda comprises Good Governance; Social Welfare Services, Healthcare and Nutrition Programs; Peace & Order and Public Safety; Education and Economic Development; Agricultural Enhancement Programs; and Infrastructure & Support Services.
With the right leadership and a united effort as one community, Mayor Olvis proudly announced the notable achievements and progress that Polanco has made throughout the years. One of the significant milestones was the reclassification of the municipality from a Third-Class Municipality to a First-Class Municipality in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to every Polancohanon who contributed to this achievement, and optimistically shared his hopes to continue this progress as the municipality moves forward into another term with a new set of leaders.
Despite these positive developments, Mayor Olvis did not shy away from acknowledging the reality that, as a municipality, they are far from perfect but are, at least, making progress. Before concluding his address, Mayor Olvis shared a humble fact from the 2021 poverty incidence report by the PSA SAE, stating that Polanco, along with all other municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte, was recognized as part of the group facing significant challenges, with the poverty incidence falling between 30% and 40%. However, despite this humbling reality, he lifted the hopes of every Polancohanon by saying, “Polanco may be considered among the poorest in the region, but in many ways, we are the richest of the poor. Our hearts are rich with pride for our community, our culture, and the spirit that keeps us moving forward.”
Before concluding his State of the Municipality Address, Mayor Olvis extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who embraced the vision of guiding Polanco toward a brighter and better future while improving the lives of his beloved Polancohanons.
“Polanco, Lungsod ko, Pinangga ka! You are loved, now and always. And no matter where life takes me, no matter the future that awaits, I will continue to give you everything I have—because you deserve it. You are my family, and I will serve you with every breath I take, for as long as I can,” said Mayor Boyet. He ended his address with a song about his journey, dedicated to his beloved municipality and, most especially, to his beloved Polancohanons, who had stood by him for nine long years.