Tagbilaran City honored with Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence Award
Tagbilaran City proudly received the prestigious Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence- Beyond Compliant Local Government Unit Award on December 11, 2023, at the Manila Hotel.
This is in recognition of the City’s unwavering commitment to disaster and risk reduction management.
The award, given by the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Council during the 23rd Gawad Kalasag Seal for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance for CY 2023, applauded Tagbilaran City for its exceptional performance in the Local DRRM Council and Office category.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, accompanied by the City DRRM Officer Gerard Lavadia and Chao Longjas, accepted the esteemed award from National DRRMC Chair and Secretary of Department of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government SILG Benjamin Abalos Jr., and Administrator of the Office of the Civil Defense Ariel Nepomuceno.
The recognition signifies Tagbilaran City’s dedication to going above and beyond compliance in ensuring the safety and resilience of its residents in the face of disasters and emergencies.
Mayor Yap expressed her gratitude for the honors, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the entire community in building a resilient and prepared city.
She said, “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our City DRRM team and the vigilance of our community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents in the face of any adversity.”
The award also comes as a validation of Tagbilaran City’s comprehensive and proactive approach to disaster and risk reduction management.
The city’s initiatives, under the leadership of Mayor Yap and her predecessor former Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, have not only met but surpassed the standards set by Gawad Kalasag, positioning Tagbilaran City as a model for other local government units in the realm of disaster preparedness and response.
The Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence Award, regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in the field of disaster and risk reduction, commends local government units for their outstanding initiatives, innovations, and effectiveness in DRRM and humanitarian assistance.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap (4th from right) joins (from l-r) Deputy Administrator for Operations of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Philippines, Asec. Hernando M Caraig Jr.; National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director and (OCD) Administrator, Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno; Deputy Administrator for Administration of the (OCD), Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV; Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary, Benhur Abalos Jr.; National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairman and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gibo Teodoro; Tagbilaran City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CDRRM) Officer, Gerard Lavadia;(CDRRM) Staff, Marko Emmanuel Longjas and Brenda Paga;
and OCD Regional Office 7 (RO7) Director, Segundo Bolo. This was on the occasion of the recognition of the Tagbilaran City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) for its outstanding contributions to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance. Mayor Yap, together with the DRRMO chief and some staff members, received the prestigious Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence-Beyond Compliant Local Government Unit Award at a ceremony held at the Manila Hotel on December 11, 2023.
Tagbilaran City shines at “The Tarp Project” launch in Manila
Tagbilaran City stepped into the limelight during the media launch of “The Tarp Project,” a groundbreaking initiative held on December 14, 2023, at SM Aura in Manila.
The event, personally attended by Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, showcased the city’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and women’s economic empowerment.
“The Tarp Project” is the brainchild of renowned social entrepreneur and bag designer, Zarah Juan, in collaboration with the City Government of Tagbilaran and Spark! Philippines, spearheaded by Ms. Maica Teves. This collaborative effort is also supported by SM Malls and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
The project centers on re-purposing used tarpaulins and transforming them into creative tote bags through the engagement of local sewing communities, specifically the Tagbilaran City Women’s Livelihood Center and out-of-school youth.
Mayor Jane Yap expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “The Tarp Project aligns with our city’s commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. By converting used materials into beautiful tote bags, we are not only contributing to environmental conservation but also providing meaningful livelihood opportunities for Tagbilaranons.”
The launching event featured a stunning display of the innovative tote bags crafted by the skilled hands of the Tagbilaran City Women’s Livelihood Center and Out-of-school youth.
“The Tarp Project” aims to reduce waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental challenges. The project not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates a sustainable source of livelihood for women, urban poor and out-of-school youth.
Members of the Garment Manufacturing Business who are beneficiaries of the Baba Live Project showcased their talent and creativity by sewing bags made from used tarpaulin materials. These bags were displayed during the Tarp Project Launch at SM Aura, Manila on December 14, 2023. This initiative, led by Mayor Jane Yap, in partnership with bag designer Zarah Juan and Spark Philippines, aims to promote sustainable fashion and empower women in the community. The tote bags, designed by Zarah Juan are products of the collaborative efforts among: the Tagbilaran City Government, SPARK Philippines, and SM Supermalls. It is a remarkable task to transform discarded materials into stylish and functional accessories.