Tagbilaran City takes a proactive step in adolescent health with Inaugural ADHP Council Meeting

In a significant move towards prioritizing the well-being of adolescents, the Adolescent Health Development Program (ADHP) Council held its first meeting on December 22, 2023, at the City Tourism Office.

Chaired by Mayor Jane Yap, the council is poised to play a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing the ADHP strategy and plan in the City Government of Tagbilaran.

Representing Mayor Yap at the inaugural meeting was City Administrator Cathelyn Torremocha.

The ADHP Council serves as the overarching coordinating body with a specific focus on reducing unintended teen pregnancy and adolescent childbirth in Tagbilaran City.

The council, comprised of key stakeholders, includes: Vice Chairperson Dr. Jeia Pondoc, the City Health Officer; a representative from each of the following: the Council for Children and Protection, City Youth Development Officer, City Interior and Local Government Officer, City Planning and Development Officer, Barangay Affairs and Constituency Unit, SK Federation President, City Population and Commission Development Officer, and representatives from the Philippine National Police, Department of Education, Youth Organization, Kalinaw, and the USAID Research Health Project.

Highlights from the first meeting included an in-depth discussion of strategies to address issues involving adolescents, with a particular emphasis on collaboration with the private sector.

The council expressed its intention to conduct a workshop in February for all council and technical working group members.

The workshop aims to facilitate the creation of comprehensive programs and policies for the effective implementation of the ADHP strategy and plan.

Through City Administrator Torremocha, Mayor Yap expressed her commitment to the initiative, stating, “The ADHP Council signifies our dedication to the health and well-being of our adolescents.

By bringing together key stakeholders, we aim to create impactful strategies and policies that will contribute to the reduction of unintended teen pregnancies and promote overall adolescent health.”

The first meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to address critical health issues among adolescents in Tagbilaran City.

The ADHP Council’s commitment to involving various sectors and fostering partnerships underscores the city’s proactive stance in ensuring the welfare and development of its younger population.

City Administrator Cathelyn Torremocha (wearing a pair of eyeglasses and seated at extreme left, front row facing audience) representing City Mayor Jane Yap, and the members of the Adolescent Health Development Program (ADHP) Council engage in a brainstorming session at the City Tourism Office in Tagbilaran. They passionately discuss and explore potential programs to address the needs and well-being of Tagbilaran adolescents. Their dedication and collaborative efforts aim to create a supportive and empowering environment for the youth in the community.

Mayor Jane Yap continues heartwarming tradition with annual Christmas gift-giving and feeding activities for children

In the spirit of spreading joy and warmth during the holiday season, Mayor Jane Yap continued a heartwarming tradition by organizing the annual Christmas Gift-Giving and Feeding activities for children on December 22, 2023, at the City Hall atrium.

This cherished event, initiated in 2012 by former City Mayor and current Chief of Staff John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, has become a much-anticipated celebration that brings smiles to the faces of young residents in Tagbilaran City.

Mayor Yap, along with Chief of Staff Baba Yap, personally led the festivities, ensuring that the children experienced the joy of Christmas through a day filled with treats, gifts, and the spirit of giving.

Children in attendance were treated to free meals, entertainment and delicious treats courtesy of the generous couple.

Globe also sponsored free shirts for the children, enhancing the festive atmosphere with colorful apparel.

Loot bags filled with surprises and gifts from Du Ek Sam added to the excitement, making it a memorable occasion for the young attendees.

The Christmas Gift-Giving and Feeding for Children also featured a heartwarming gesture from Paresilog, providing hot soup to keep the children warm and nourished during the event.

Mayor Yap expressed her joy in continuing this meaningful tradition, stating, “Christmas is a time for giving, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing smiles to the faces of our youngest residents. We are also thankful for the generosity of our sponsors- Globe, Du Ek Sam and Paresilog.”

Chief of Staff Baba Yap, reflecting on the tradition’s origin, said, “It warms our hearts to see the tradition we started in 2012 continue to bring joy to the children of Tagbilaran City. This is a time of giving, and we are grateful to be able to share the holiday spirit.”

The annual Christmas Gift-Giving and Feeding for Children not only spreads joy and holiday cheer but also emphasizes the importance of community, generosity, and the true spirit of Christmas in Tagbilaran City.

The event reflects the city’s commitment to creating memorable and uplifting experiences for its residents, especially the youth.

Children in Tagbilaran City delight over the annual gift giving and feeding program activities organized by the City Government, led by Mayor Jane Yap. The heartwarming event took place on December 22, 2023, at the City Hall Atrium, spreading joy and happiness during the holiday season. In photo is first daughter Janah Yap (situated between the first mascot at extreme left and mascot at the center).