In a launch held on October 26, 2023, Tagbilaran City officially embarked on the path
to becoming a more sustainable and resilient urban center through the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID) Urban Connect initiative.
City Administrator Cathelyn Torremocha represented the City Government of
Tagbilaran during the launching activity held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria,
Quezon City.
Dr. Alex Brilliantes Jr., Chief of Part of USAID Urban Connect Project and Mr. Ryan
Washburn, Mission Director of USAID Philippines and Mongolia led the dignitaries in
the event.
The project’s goal is to foster inclusive and resilient economic growth in these
secondary cities and their surrounding areas.
By focusing on local economic development and enhancing public service delivery,
Urban Connect aims to make these cities more attractive for investments, encourage
local entrepreneurship, and ultimately improve the quality of life for their residents.
Tagbilaran City is among the nine partner cities collaborating with the USAID under
its Cities Development Initiative (CDI).
These cities include Batangas, Legazpi, and Puerto Princesa in Luzon; Iloilo,
Tacloban, and Tagbilaran in the Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and
Zamboanga in Mindanao.
In her video message during the Urban Connect activity, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane
Yap expressed her enthusiasm for this promising initiative.
“Tagbilaran City is honored to be a partner in the Urban Connect project. This
collaboration is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our community
and our dedication to fostering progress with lasting impact.
We look forward to a future where our city stands as a prime example of innovation
and progress,” Mayor Yap said.
Mayor Yap emphasized that Tagbilaran City will actively engage with Urban Connect
to enhance local economic development, promote entrepreneurship, and improve
the lives of its citizens. She believes that this partnership will bring significant
benefits to the city and its residents, making Tagbilaran a vibrant and forward-looking
urban center.
The activity was followed by a learning session titled “The Future of Cities: Smart
Local E-Government Solutions.” The session featured distinguished panel speakers
from the public and private sectors who explored innovative ways to make
Tagbilaran City and the partner cities smarter and more efficient in delivering public
services to their citizens.
The City Government of Tagbilaran is committed to making the most of this
transformative project, striving for a future marked by resilience, inclusivity, and
sustainable growth.
With the support of the Urban Connect initiative, the city is poised to flourish as a
dynamic and forward-thinking urban center in the years to come.