BY GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA
Tagbilaran City earned national recognition for its outstanding commitment to youth development, receiving five prestigious awards for its Youth Development Alliance of Tagbilaran City (YDATC) during the USAID Opportunity 2.0 Youth and Partners’ Summit held on November 13, 2024, at Novotel in Quezon City.
Among these accolades were awards for Youth Development Alliance Sustainability, Most Outstanding for Out-of-School Youth (OSY) Entrepreneurship through the Bohol GentrepZ Training, a Special Citation for Strengthened Youth Development, and the coveted Overall Most Outstanding Youth Champion title awarded to City Youth and Development Officer, Mr. Marbert Remolador.
The city also received a Plaque of Appreciation.
These awards, presented by USAID Mission to the Philippines and Mongolia Mission Director Ryan Washburn, Education Development Center SVP for International Development Division Nancy Devine, Opportunity 2.0 Chief of Party Jill Jarvi, and EDCOM II Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee, highlight Tagbilaran City’s exemplary efforts in fostering an inclusive and sustainable system for positive youth development.
Tagbilaran City was particularly recognized for the passage of its City Ordinance on the Establishment of the Youth Development Alliance, serving as a sustainability mechanism to ensure continued implementation of OSY programs.
The city also received commendation for its strong multi-sectoral partnership, addressing the unique needs of OSYs through tailored training, educational programs, and livelihood opportunities.
Mr. Marbert Remolador’s recognition as the Overall Most Outstanding Youth Champion reflects his unwavering dedication to advocating for OSY and creating an enabling environment for their growth.
His efforts have significantly contributed to strengthening systems that provide second-chance opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on the youth and ensuring the success of the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program.
In her statement, Mayor Jane Yap expressed her heartfelt congratulations and pride, saying, “These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Youth Development Alliance and the entire city in supporting our out-of-school youth. To YDATC and to everyone involved, thank you for your tireless efforts in creating a brighter future for our youth. This success inspires us to continue working together towards a Tagbilaran City where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.”
The Youth Development Alliance of Tagbilaran City, established during the term of former Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II in late 2020 as a collaboration between the City Government and USAID’s Opportunity 2.0 program, is officially mandated by City Ordinance No. C-333, series of 2022.
In February 2023, Mayor Jane Yap signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) to further enhance the alliance’s programs.
These IRRs serve as a guiding framework to ensure impactful initiatives for OSYs, underscoring Tagbilaran City’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.