Tagbilaran City receives 1.5 M Grant from DTI Lunsod Lunsad Program

As Tagbilaran City received the 1.5 million peso grant from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lunsod Lunsad Program during awarding rites on October 16, 2023 at the DTI Academy in Metro Manila, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap was represented by Joseph Alexis Cadeliña (right) the City Events, Culture and Arts Office (CECAO). Others in photo are Jay Joseph Angelia, City Mayor’s Office Staff, (left) and DTI Asec Cris Aldeguer- Roque, CEO of Kamiseta (middle).

Tagbilaran City has been selected as one of the recipients of a grant from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Lunsod Lunsad Program. 

The city’s proposal, “Creative Tourism Enterprise Development,” was chosen to receive a 1.5 million peso grant which will be used to capacitate the local creatives in cultivating their talents and skills, and imprinting awareness and appreciation of their potentiality as valuable members of creative tourism industry.

Mr. Joseph Alexis Cadeliña, representing City Mayor Jane Yap, received the Certificate of Award during the Lunsod Lunsad Creative Cities Ceremonial Awarding on October 16, 2023 at the DTI Academy in Metro Manila.

The ceremony was spearheaded by DTI bigwigs to include DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and Director Lilian Salonga of the Competitiveness Bureau.  

Also in attendance were distinguished guests- Congressman Christopher De Venecia, Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla and representatives of Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

In sharing her enthusiasm and gratitude to DTI, Mayor Yap said, “We are truly honored to be chosen for this opportunity, and we are eager to utilize the funds to further develop our creative tourism sector. Tagbilaran is known for its unique culture and talented artists, and this grant will empower them to shine on a broader stage. We are committed to making Tagbilaran a hub of creative expression and cultural exploration”. 

The “Creative Tourism Enterprise Development” is an undertaking in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol. 

The proposal was prepared by Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte who is also the City’s Creative Focal Person. 

The Lunsod Lunsad Program is a DTI initiative that seeks out and supports creative and inventive project proposals from various Philippine cities. 

The program emphasizes the harnessing of each city’s creative resources for economic and cultural growth.

This groundbreaking initiative extends financial support to encourage the expansion of creative projects, thus spurring innovation throughout the Philippines.

Tagbilaran City enhances Disaster Response through Incident Command System Executive Course

Showing one of the activities of the Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Course sponsored by the Tagbilaran City Government and held for the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMO)  on October 19, 2023. City Mayor Jane Yap (seated, facing camera)  together with City Administrator Cathelyn Torremocha, (1st, standing, clockwise), CENRO staff Raul Aparicio II, (2nd, seated, clockwise) and CDRMMO staff Marko Emmanuel Longjas, (2nd, standing, clockwise) engage in a fruitful discussion on how the council can efficiently respond during emergencies and disasters.

In a proactive approach to bolster its disaster management capabilities, the City Government of Tagbilaran organized an Incident Command System (ICS) Executive Course for members of its City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC).

The course, conducted on October 19, 2023, aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to effectively respond to various situations like emergencies and disasters.

In her message, Chairperson of the CDRRMC, City Mayor Jane Yap, emphasized the importance of equipping the Council members with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate and respond to diverse emergency situations.

“By undergoing this training, we are taking a significant step towards enhancing our city’s disaster management capabilities. This Course equips us with the tools we need to coordinate efforts efficiently, communicate effectively, and protect our community during times of crisis. Truly this is part of our broader commitment to ensuring Tagbilaran’s resilience in the face of adversity.”

The Incident Command System Executive Course was enriched by the expertise of several speakers and trainers. Ms. Rizajoy Hernandez from the Office of Civil Defense Region 7 shared her valuable insights and experience in the field of disaster risk reduction and management.

Meanwhile, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) also provided a team of expert trainers, including CDRRMO Head Gerard Lavadia, Marko Emmanuel Longjas, Fritz Dennis Ruyeras, Maricel Castaño, and Airah Balatayo.

Their combined knowledge and guidance ensured that participants received comprehensive and practical training on the Incident Command System, enhancing the latter’s ability
to effectively manage and respond to various emergency situations.

With the knowledge and skills gained from the ICS Executive Course, the City Government of Tagbilaran is better prepared to manage a wide range of emergency situations effectively.

The activity also underscores the city’s strong commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and enhancing its overall disaster response capabilities.