Ten finalists vie for Himo’g Huni Songwriting Competition

Ten aspiring songwriters will showcase their musical intelligence as they compete in the Himo’g Huni Ika-Unom nga Hugna original songwriting competition, a highlight of Saulog Tagbilaran 2024.

The event will be on April 29, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the Island City Mall Activity Center. This event promises an afternoon filled with creativity and talent.

The original compositions and their songwriters are “Magauban” by Medelito Matedios Baculpo; “Heart of the Islands” by Nikko Surem Aldion; “Ali sa Bohol” by Geode Ann Cacho, Jessyl Padas, Tex Hipolitus and Aaron Padas; “Abi Pa Lang” by Janwel Ladaga and Ermar Vince Ladaga; “Suliran” by Jannzen Humol; “Gugmahan (Gugma sa Amahan)” by Daniel Job Bustos; “St. Tao” by Christian Luige Ortega; “Oh One” by Amman Blessed Orgino and Jonathan Mari Billan; “Huy Miga” by Robert Miguel Bradshaw; and AKW (Ako Kaha When) by John Erscel Galagar.

The lineup of contenders includes a diverse range of compositions, with each composition
offering a unique perspective on love, life, and experiences.

From heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, the competing songs are sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap expressed her excitement over the upcoming event, emphasizing the importance of supporting local talent and creativity in Tagbilaran.

“We are thrilled to witness the talents of our local songwriters as they compete in this prestigious competition. Their music reflects the soul and spirit of our city, and I encourage everyone to come and show their support,” Mayor Yap remarked.

A highlight of the event is the performance by the homegrown singer-songwriter, Mr. Joseph Gara, accompanied by his band.

With this upcoming sonwriting fest, Saulog Tagbilaran 2024 continues to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent of its people.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the next generation of local talented songwriters as they take center stage and vie for the title of Himo’g Huni Ika-Unom nga Hugna champion.

The City of Tagbilaran gears up for the most awaited Himo’g Huni contest. Ten talented contestants are ready to showcase their skills on April 29, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Island City Mall Activity Center.

Tagbilaran City makes the cut as one of the 55 local governments worldwide to join the prestigious OGP

The City Government of Tagbilaran proudly announces its official inclusion in the esteemed Open Government Partnership (OGP), an international initiative that unites government and civil society organizations in a shared mission of creating transformative reforms for more transparent, accountable, and responsive governments.

Standing out from a competitive pool of 138 applicants, Tagbilaran City now joins the ranks of an elite network of pioneers who would collaborate with citizens and civic organizations to design and implement action plans.

These plans, tailored to suit their unique local contexts, aim to enhance their communities through the application of open government principles.

“We are delighted to be part of the Open Government Partnership. This is a monumental opportunity for us to further our commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in our governance. United, we will work diligently towards developing a more responsive and inclusive administration that values and integrates the contributions and ideas of our constituents,” expressed the Tagbilaran City Mayor.

Sanjay Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), warmly welcomed the 55 newly inducted local jurisdictions to the growing network of reformers that OGP has cultivated since its inception in 2011. Pradhan said: “This expansion is a testament to governments’ collective dedication to better cater to their citizens’ needs. By adopting open government strategies, local authorities, due to their close connection with communities, are uniquely equipped to effectively meet citizen demands.”

Natalia Carfi, a Member of the OGP Steering Committee and the OGP Local Selection Committee highlighted the diverse range of selected members, including those from OGP countries with no prior Local members and, for the first time in its history, from countries eligible to join the OGP. Carfi said: “This exemplifies the Partnership’s endeavor to expand the reach and scope of OGP Local, aligning with OGP’s 2023-2028 strategy to mainstream open government at all levels and branches of government.”

The OGP offers a platform for open government leaders to build coalitions that drive change in their contexts, learn from each other, and collaborate with peers globally to deliver superior policies for citizens.

As of 2024, OGP Local members have co-created over 120 action plans and committed to implementing more than 475 open government initiatives.

This recognition of Tagbilaran City as one of the 55 local governments for the OGP initiative is a testament to its unwavering commitment and ongoing efforts toward progressive and transparent governance.

The City Government of Tagbilaran, Philippines, is proud to be one of the 55 selected local governments worldwide to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP). This partnership signifies the City’s commitment to transparency, citizen engagement, and accountability in governance.