He assumed office after he was sworn in by Judge Perry B. Inos, the son of the outgoing mayor.
The newly elected municipal council members — Arvin Cabrera Ogo, George Ogo Hocog and Prudencio Atalig Manglona — were also sworn in.
Mendiola, in the interview, said his administration will “volumize” the production of the island’s natural resources.
Rota’s mineral water and agricultural products have big potentials, he added.
The island, for example, is known for its sweet potatoes, he said.
His administration will launch a program to increase the production of agricultural products, the mayor added.
“If these products acquire export quantity and quality, they will generate more revenue for the island,” he said.
There’s a local investor now maximizing the production of mineral water on Rota, he added.
But the government must give assistance to this investor to sustain and develop production, he said.
According to Mendiola, Rota must attract investors who can provide employment to residents.
He said his programs may not happen overnight but he will gradually implement them with the cooperation of all agencies, especially those of the central government.
