Reelected Sapian Mayor Vows More Projects

By Felipe V. Celino

SAPIAN, Capiz – Mayor Jose “Joe” Villanueva has vowed to pursue more development projects following his reelection to a second term during the recent midterm elections.

He said the renewed mandate reflects public trust and strengthens his administration’s commitment to people-centered governance.

Villanueva told Daily Guardian that top priorities include the construction of a two-story public market, to be funded by local resources, and the establishment of a new water system with a source in Sitio Perara.

He said he has also coordinated with the Department of Health for the construction of a Super Health Center in Poblacion.

The mayor added that his administration will continue improving farm-to-market roads and enhance local tourism.

Villanueva described the election outcome as a “tremendous event,” noting that his slate achieved near-landslide results.

He won by a wide margin over his lone opponent, Doni Oducado, garnering 13,396 votes to Oducado’s 1,499.

His running mate, reelectionist Vice Mayor Ralph Odrunia, ran unopposed.

Only one of Villanueva’s eight candidates for Sangguniang Bayan was not elected.

Before entering local politics, Villanueva was a practicing lawyer in Manila.

He later served as Capiz provincial administrator for nine years under former Gov. Victor Tanco Sr.

Villanueva was first elected mayor of Sapian in 2022 under the ticket of newly reelected Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro.