Tagbilaran City launches supplemental feeding program for public school students
The City Government of Tagbilaran, through the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Tagbilaran City Schools Division, officially launched the Supplemental Feeding Program (SFP) on September 16, 2024, at the Tagbilaran City Central Elementary School.
The program marks the beginning of regular feeding sessions for all enrolled pupils in elementary and special education (SPED) public schools across Tagbilaran City.
The initiative includes the provision of hot meals, dry meals, fruits, and nutritious liquid products, ensuring that the nutritional needs of students are met for the school year 2024-2025.
The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Mayor Jane Yap and Tagbilaran City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos. CSWD Officer Lucille Clarin and City General Services Officer Dr. Chris John Rener Torralba witnessed the signing.
Principals of all elementary and SPED schools in Tagbilaran City, along with the barangay captains of Poblacion 1, 2, and 3, and officers of the Tagbilaran City Federated Parents, Teachers, and Community Association, were also in attendance.
The SFP aims to address the nutritional needs of students, enhance their health, and encourage regular school attendance.
Mayor Yap emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “This initiative not only promotes the well-being of our students but also strengthens their ability to focus on their studies. Proper nutrition is the foundation of a brighter future.”
The program is a significant step toward improving the overall health and educational experience of the city’s young learners, reinforcing the commitment of the City Government of Tagbilaran in prioritizing education and child welfare.
The City Government of Tagbilaran in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Department of Education (DepEd) Tagbilaran City Schools Division, launched its Supplemental Feeding Program on September 16, 2024. The program aimed at supporting the health and well-being of all elementary and special education students in the city, commenced at Tagbilaran City Central Elementary School. Mayor Jane Yap was present at the event, personally distributing packed meals to students and demonstrating her commitment to their welfare. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran City receives recognition for pioneering Civil Society Initiatives at National CSO Conference
Tagbilaran City, under the leadership of Mayor Jane Yap, garnered multiple awards for its groundbreaking civil society initiatives during the National Civil Society Organization (CSO) Conference organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on September 18, 2024, at the Royce Hotel, Clark, Pampanga.
The City was recognized with the following: Award for Pioneering Local People’s Council; Award for Pioneering CSO Academy called in Tagbilaran City as the Center for Responsive Citizen Empowerment, Education and Development (CREED); and Recognition as new member of Open Government Partnership (OGP) Local Philippines.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap was also invited to share Tagbilaran City’s successful initiatives in establishing an enabling environment for meaningful CSO participation.
In her speech, Mayor Yap emphasized the importance of broad-based governance in Tagbilaran City, which encourages citizen involvement in decision-making.
“In Tagbilaran City, we govern within a broad democratic framework that offers numerous opportunities for citizen participation. We have a strong track record of fostering engagement and collaboration with civil society organizations through the Tagbilaran City People’s Council (TCPC), a dedicated CSO desk, and an ordinance mandating the inclusion of CSOs with voting rights in the Standing Committees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” Mayor Yap stated.
Mayor Yap also expressed gratitude to the city’s key partners for their role in promoting collaboration between the local government and civil society organizations. She acknowledged TCPC President Mayette Gasatan and the USAID CHANGE Project, represented by City Governance Coordinator Dr. Rosalinda Paredes, for their invaluable support in enhancing the city’s connection with its civil society partners.
She also extended her appreciation to Vice Mayor Adam Jala and the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod for their continued support in fostering participatory governance.
The event brought together over 2,500 CSO partners from Local People’s Councils and Local Development Councils nationwide, as well as accredited CSOs of DILG, development partners, and DILG field officers.
The conference served as a platform to share best practices and further strengthen the role of civil society in local governance, with Mayor Yap’s insights providing valuable examples of how meaningful partnerships between local governments and CSOs can drive progress and promote sustainable development.
Mayor Jane Yap, representing the City Government of Tagbilaran, shares insights and experiences at the National Civil Society Organization (CSO) forum on September 18, 2024, at Royce Hotel, Clark Pampanga. Photo shows that she is proudly holding plaques of recognition awarded to the Local Government Unit of Tagbilaran and the Tagbilaran City People’s Council during the event. (Contributed photo)