Mayor Jane Yap bared plans and programs for her administration as she started to buckle down to work on July 1, 2022, which coincidentally was the city’s 56th Charter Day celebration.
Tagbilaran City’s youngest and first lady mayor, Jane Yap, (see related story on page 16), laid out her plans and programs in her inaugural speech as she paid tribute to the past city leaders who worked hard in order to transform Tagbilaran into a bustling city.
She also mentioned the contributions of her husband, former mayor John Geesnell Yap II who did a splendid job in his 9 years of service as Mayor Jane stressed that #AsensoPaMore has become more than just a tagline for Tagbilaran City, “It has become a brand, a distinction of public service”.
Thus, the lady mayor emphasized that it is just fitting to continue the legacy of her husband for the sake of the Tagbilaranons.
As she sets her foot as mayor of Tagbilaran City, Jane Yap said that she becomes the mother of 105,000 Tagbilaranons.
“I am responsible for your well being and welfare; a mother not only to a few, but to all,” the lady mayor said in her speech.
PLANS AND PROGRAMS
Mayor Jane Yap presented some of the priority programs and projects of her administration in the next three years.
She is seeking to expand the city’s existing health programs. She is starting with the Balay to Balay Health check up to bring health services closer to the community.
Mayor Jane Yap said that the city will invest heavily on education. The city is committed to provide free quality education from pre-school to college. All public elementary and high school students will receive school supplies from the city government.
She will also partner with various colleges and universities in the city for more comprehensive scholarship programs.
The city government will establish an e-library and students’ center to provide students with quality and trusted learning materials.
She plans to intensify public wi-fi access especially in the remote barangays of Tagbilaran City.
Likewise, she is gearing to create a comprehensive sports program for the youth and discover potential athletes for various competitions.
Mayor Jane Yap seeks to enhance the livelihood training program for residents, particularly the out-of-school youth.
The lady mayor is also working to create more employment opportunities for the residents of the city.
Furthermore, Mayor Jane Yap will be creating the post-pandemic recovery action plan. This will lay out the details and strategies to revitalize the economy and generate jobs.
Housing will also be a priority under her administration. She will be updating the local shelter plan to address the housing requirements of the Tagbilaranons.
There will be additional benefits for senior citizens, persons with disability and personnel of the city government, to boost their quality of life and general welfare.
She also revealed plans for a city cemetery as part of the city government’s social services program.
In addition to the list, Mayor Jane Yap mentioned the areas of environment, culture and the arts, tourism, public infrastructure, business among others as priority areas in the next three years.
THE SERVICE AWARDS
During the charter day celebration, awards were given to employees of the City Government. Among the awardees are Artmarie Tolang, Efren Maslog, Gerardo Ordidor, Flora Israel, Evelyn Odtohan, Rogelio Baldapan, Oliver Galolo, Francisco Balabag, Precellano Bantingal, Israel Socrates, Efren Uguis, Virgilia Geñoso, Maria Lenita Torralba, Raul Cortes, Ma. Teresa Gasque, Antonio Hontanosas, Lolita Tabuno, Gloria Tigno, and Macrina Niza.
A plaque of recognition was each given to the faculty and staff members of the Tagbilaran City College.
This year’s special awards from the City Mayor’s Office were given to the Centenarian Awardees: Alipia Balbin; Francisca Oracion, and Cornelia Salabsab.
Moreover, Elisha Flor Maio Lubiano, Bernard Angelo Torres, Vanessa Sarno, and Jessel Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo were recognized as Athletes of the Year.
The Heroic Act Award went to Stafr Sgt. Krislam Baguil.
The City Government also recognized the help and support of its partners and gave a plaque of appreciation each to Joven Uy, Bohol Island State University, Holy Name University, University of Bohol, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Diocese of Tagbilaran, SPARK Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), USAID-Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) Project, USAID-Opportunity 2.0, USAID-Reach Health Project, Provincial Government of Bohol, Converge ICT Solutions, PLDT, Ibex Global Solutions Philippines, Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, Maya Philippines, and Copier Source Enterprises.
Meanwhile, the City Treasurer’s Office revealed the 2022 Top 5 Business Renewal Taxes and Fees Taxpayer Citation Awardees. The awardees are Alturas Group of Companies, Toyota Tagbilaran City, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Ibex Global Solutions Philippines, and Ramiro Community Hospital.
On the other hand, the 2022 Top 5 Real Property Taxpayers are Alturas Group of Companies, Bohol Quality Corporation and Quality Properties, TBC Realty Development and Management Corporation, Bohol Light Company Incorporated, and SPC Island Power Corporation.
Plaques of Recognition were also given to the Heirs of Celestino M. Gallares, the Heirs of Cesaria Bustrillos Garcia/Holganza, the Heirs of Vicente Bustrillos, the Heirs of Eliseo Bustrillos, the Heirs of Antonio Bustrillos, to Sofia Iyog, and to Lt. Col. Mary Crystal Peralta.
Likewise a Plaque of Gratitude was each given to Fernando Borja and Lucio Lim Jr.
The Gift of Life-Heart Center Philippines Foundation bagged the Community Service Award. Three prominent Tagbilaranons were given the Distinguished Citizen Award and they are Mariano Uy, Teodorico Ramasola, and Tagbilaran bishop Alberto Uy.
Former city officials each received a Special Plaque of Recognition which includes Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso, City Councilors Dulce Glovasa, Philipp Besas, Joseph Bompat, Agustinus Gonzaga, and Vicente Polinar.