Atty. Jaime Payomo Junio: The Longest-Serving Mayor of Bayambang

 

Atty. Jaime Payomo Junio: The Longest-Serving Mayor of Bayambang

Atty. Jaime Payomo Junio is recognized as one of the most significant figures in the political history of Bayambang, Pangasinan. He served as Municipal Mayor from 1962 to 1986, making him the longest-serving mayor in the history of Bayambang, with nearly twenty-four (24) years of continuous service. His tenure took place during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, a period marked by extensive national development programs.

Atty. Junio was born in Bayambang on July 3, 1923. He completed his elementary education in Lingayen and later earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manila. Prior to entering public service in local government, he worked as a clerk in the House of Representatives under Speaker Perez and served as a volunteer in the Agno Dike Flood-Control Project, which aimed to mitigate flooding in the region.

He was married to Isabel Tandoc Junio, and together they had six children: Nitida Junio-Nunez, Vicente Junio, Teresita Junio-Llano, Alfredo Junio, Mario Junio, Myrna Junio-Salo, and Mylvin Junio.

During his long tenure as mayor, Atty. Junio initiated and oversaw numerous programs and infrastructure projects that contributed significantly to the development of Bayambang. Among his principal accomplishments were the maintenance of peace and order and the illumination of the principal streets of Poblacion, Tamaro, and Telbang through the installation of mercury lights. Under his leadership, the municipal income increased substantially from ₱154,177.48 to ₱204,151.71.

His administration also focused heavily on infrastructure development. Among the projects completed were the construction of a concrete public market building, an annex public market structure made of mixed materials, and a municipal slaughterhouse. The Puericulture Center Annex was also built to enhance maternal and child healthcare services. In addition, concrete fencing was constructed around the municipal plaza and the front side of the municipal building compound, and improvements were made to both the public plaza and the municipal auditorium.

Health and sanitation programs were intensified during his administration, alongside the construction of Nawasa water pipelines around the Poblacion area to improve water distribution. A monument of the late President Ramon Magsaysay was erected at the town plaza through the generosity of Don and Doña Victor Palaganas.

Atty. Junio also prioritized the construction and repair of streets, barrio roads, bridges, and school buildings both in the Poblacion and in the outlying barrios. Artesian wells were constructed in various barangays, as recommended by the Presidential Arm on Community Development (PACD), the Agricultural National Program (ANP), and other authorities.

Additional public safety improvements included the installation of a siren atop the Nawasa tank, donated by Atty. Mrs. Toribio Perez, along with the necessary transformer. His administration also facilitated the acquisition of a fire truck and a fire jeep, as well as the installation of fire hydrants along the main streets of the Poblacion.

A People’s Shed was constructed on the northern side of the plaza, an initiative of the Bayambang Civic Action Group, of which Mayor Junio was an active member. One of the most important healthcare projects during his administration was the construction of the Bayambang Emergency Hospital. Initially, the town’s public hospital was located beside the former Municipal Annex Building in the central town area. Under the leadership of Atty. Junio, the hospital was relocated to its present site in Bical Norte, Bayambang, enabling expanded facilities and improved services to the public.

His administration also introduced developments in information technology and mass communication. With the introduction of knowledge in information technology, media equipment such as televisions began to be acquired through the Ministry of Information, which contributed to improved access to public information.

Further development initiatives included the construction of barangay roads, the construction of the Pangdel Bridge, and the construction of the Carlos P. Romulo Bridge. Relief goods were distributed to various barangays during times of need. Agricultural development was supported through the implementation of Masagana 99, a national rice production program. Land was also distributed to tenant farmers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). In addition, barangay health centers were constructed, and the Municipal Annex Building was completed to expand government services.

Beyond governance and infrastructure, Atty. Junio also supported the development of music and the arts in Bayambang. During his administration, the Bayambang Teachers Chorale gained national recognition, performing on national television programs, most notably on the Joe Quirino Show, which helped bring pride and cultural recognition to the municipality.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and public service, Atty. Junio received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• One of the Ten Most Outstanding Mayors of the Philippines (1967)
• Outstanding Municipal Mayor and Civic Leader (1969)
• Philippines’ Most Outstanding Mayor of the Year (1983)
• Most Outstanding Public Official of the Year (1984)
• Gintong Sikap Award (1984)
• Kapatiran Award (1985)
• Outstanding Mayor (1985)

Atty. Jaime Payomo Junio passed away on December 30, 2003, at the age of 96 due to complications from diabetes. His long and dedicated service left a lasting legacy in Bayambang, laying down foundations for the municipality’s continued growth and development.