Tagbilaran City awarded for mental health initiatives
Tagbilaran City Health Office received a special citation for its innovative mental health initiatives during the Central Visayas Mental Health and Substance Abuse Summit on October 10, 2024, in Cebu City.
The award, conferred by the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development, recognizes the city’s commitment to enhancing mental health services in alignment with the Department of Health’s 6th action agenda: “Ginhawa ng Isip at Damdamin.”
The city was specifically acknowledged for spearheading a variety of programs, including home visitation, follow-up care and medication compliance, psychosocial support, and assistance with in-patient admissions.
Additionally, Tagbilaran has implemented a mental health referral system, provided medicine assistance, and conducted awareness advocacy across schools, barangays, and communities.
One of the notable initiatives is the “Kalinaw Mental Health” program, which offers a lifeline through a “call a friend” assistance line.
The city has also engaged in mainstream media education programs, further underscoring its proactive approach to mental health care.
Mayor Jane Yap expressed her pride in the city’s achievements, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the community. “I congratulate and commend the City Health Office led by Dr. Jeia Pondoc. This award is a testament to our dedication to improving mental health services in Tagbilaran. We will continue to prioritize mental health and ensure that every citizen has access to the support they need,” she stated.
This recognition serves as encouragement for further initiatives that aim to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. It also reinforces the City Government of Tagbilaran’s ongoing efforts to improve the well-being of its residents and to cultivate a community where mental health is openly discussed, and support systems are readily available
The Tagbilaran City Government through the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility (TCPCF), received a special citation for its Mental Health Initiatives during the Central Visayas Mental Health and Substance Abuse Summit held on October 10, 2024, in Cebu City. Shown here is the plaque awarded to Tagbilaran City, recognizing its efforts and commitment to promoting mental health and well-being within the community. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran City conducts public consultation on proposed 2025 annual budget
As part of the 2025 budget deliberation process, the City Government of Tagbilaran held a public presentation and consultation on the proposed 2025 Tagbilaran City annual budget on October 15, 2024, at the City Hall Atrium.
The event saw active participation from the Tagbilaran City People’s Council (TCPC) and various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), reflecting the city’s commitment to participatory and transparent governance.
City Budget Officer Marysol Perocho presented the consolidated budget proposal to TCPC members for endorsement, symbolizing a joint effort to ensure that the budget aligns with the needs and aspirations of the Tagbilaranon community. Department heads and city officials were present to address queries from TCPC and CSO representatives, ensuring clarity on the proposed allocations.
City Administrator Alvin Acuzar who was the former City Government CSO Desk Officer, expressed his strong support for the collaborative effort between the local government and civil society. Acuzar noted that the process demonstrated the city’s dedication to openness and inclusiveness, while the former CSO Desk Officer commended the active engagement of the people’s council in shaping the budget.
In a statement Mayor Jane Yap, joined by Vice Mayor Adam Jala, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the budget process. “We believe that a people-centered approach is key to effective governance. By involving our citizens and civil society in decision-making, we ensure that the city’s resources are directed toward projects and programs that truly matter to our people,” 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.
The consultation reaffirmed the City Government’s commitment to fostering transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance, where the voices of the people play a central role in shaping the city’s future.
Tagbilaran City held its first Public Consultation on the Proposed 2025 Annual Budget on October 15, 2024, at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium. In photo is a representative (the one holding the microphone) from the Civil Society Organization raising her question regarding the budget allocations outlined in the proposed 2025 Annual Budget. This open dialogue reflects the city’s commitment to transparency and civic participation in the budget planning process. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran City kicks off annual tricycle operators and drivers seminar
Around 300 tricycle operators and drivers participated in the first batch of the annual Motorized Tricycle-for-Hire Seminar organized by the City Government of Tagbilaran on October 12, 2024, at the Saulog Gym.
This seminar, spearheaded by the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), aims to provide tricycle drivers and operators with the latest information regarding traffic regulations, road safety, and the importance of compliance with licensing requirements.
Mayor Jane Yap, together with CTMO Head P/INSP (Ret.) Antonio Samante, BPLO Head Atty. Colleen Guantero-Medidas, and City Tourism Officer May Hope Arcenal, were present during the event, underlining the city’s ongoing efforts to improve transportation services.
During the seminar, the participants received updates on road safety practices, discussed common traffic violations, and were reminded of their responsibilities in providing quality service to passengers.
Mayor Yap commended the participants for their dedication and highlighted the vital role of tricycle drivers in ensuring safe and reliable transportation for the residents of Tagbilaran.
“Our tricycle drivers are integral to the mobility of our citizens. Through this seminar, we hope to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safer, more efficient, and courteous service. It is not just about driving but about making a positive impact on our community,” she added.
The seminar is scheduled to continue every Saturday from October 12, 2024 to December 21, 2024, accommodating a limited number of 300 participants per session. Drivers are required to bring their professional driver’s licenses for registration, which starts at 7:15 AM.
According to CTMO, the goal is to ensure that all registered tricycle operators and drivers in the city undergo this training by the end of the year.
As the seminar series progresses, the City Government looks forward to further enhancing the transportation system in Tagbilaran. The collaborative effort between the local government and the transport sector aims to ensure that public transportation remains a reliable service in the city.
The City Government of Tagbilaran through the Tagbilaran City Traffic Management Office (TCTMO) and the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), commenced its Annual Tricycle Operators and Drivers Seminar on October 12, 2024, at the Saulog Gym. Photo shows some participants enjoying the informative sessions aimed at enhancing their knowledge of traffic regulations, safety practices, and service improvement. This annual initiative highlights the city’s dedication to promoting safe and efficient public transportation. (Contributed photo)