Mayor Jane Yap congratulates graduates of Bohol GentrepZ Program
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap proudly congratulated the graduates of the Bohol GentrepZ Program during the graduation ceremony held on December 11, 2024, at the Tagbilaran City Hall.
The program, aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs, equips Opportunity 2.0 out-of-school youth, Tagbilaran City College entrepreneurship students, and city garments manufacturing beneficiaries with essential business management skills.
The graduates, who completed the nine-module mentoring initiative from November 18, 2024 to December 11, 2024, showcased their respective business model canvases to a panel of experts as part of their training. This milestone marks their readiness to venture into entrepreneurship and contribute to the local economy.
The City Government of Tagbilaran sponsored the Bohol GentrepZ Program 2024 through the Youth Development Alliance of Tagbilaran City and USAID Opportunity 2.0. The project is a collaborative effort involving the City Government of Tagbilaran, Department of Education Alternative Learning System, Tagbilaran City College, JCI Boholana Kisses, University of Bohol, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bohol Island State University, Bohol Diocesan Multi Purpose Cooperative, Department of Information and Communication Technology, R. Montalban and Co. CPAs, Paeng’s Chicken, and USAID Opportunity 2.0.
During the event, Mr. Blair Panong, Senior Trade and Industry Specialist of DTI Bohol, provided the program rationale, while Ms. Adelfa Salutan from the Tagbilaran City Livelihood and Community Development Unit presented the list of completers.
Mayor Yap and DTI Provincial Director Vierna Teresa Ligan confirmed the graduates and presented the sablay and certificates to the completers.
In her congratulatory message, Mayor Yap commended the graduates for their determination and hard work. “This is a proud moment not just for you but for the entire city. You have shown what is possible when we invest in skills and determination. We are confident that you will create meaningful change in our community by becoming successful entrepreneurs,” she said.
The program underscores Tagbilaran City’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for its youth to build sustainable livelihoods and support local economic development.
The graduates of the Bohol GentrepZ Program 2024 are: Honeyleth Antopina, Christian James Samon, Jannary Cantones, Carolyn Mae Yu, Della Mariz Jasma, Cathy Reformina, Ella Laparan, Roberto Bulias Jr., Rosemarie Foronda, Kheith Vincent Cuizon, Sherwin Inso and Mary Rose Lumanta.
Mayor Jane Yap (2nd row, 5th from left) poses with the proud graduates of the Bohol GentrepZ Program 2024 alongside key program partners and stakeholders at the Mayor’s Office on December 11, 2024. The program equipped young entrepreneurs with essential business management skills, preparing them to contribute to the local economy. Contributed photo
Tagbilaran City advances Creative Vision through Lunsod Lunsad 2024: A Step Toward UNESCO Recognition
Tagbilaran City continues its inspiring journey toward becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Music with the successful implementation of the Lunsod Lunsad 2024 Creative Tourism and Entrepreneurship Program, held from December 9-11, 2024, at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and facilitated by Thames International, the program highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering its creative sector, particularly its rich musical heritage.
This initiative builds on the groundwork laid during the first part of the grant in September 2024, where a Rondalla Workshop was conducted.
This earlier activity, held at the Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS), engaged students from the school’s Special Program in the Arts.
It nurtured young talents and emphasized preserving and elevating traditional Filipino music, setting the stage for the program’s broader goals.
The December program brought together a diverse group of creatives and entrepreneurs from Tagbilaran City and other municipalities in Bohol.
With the guidance of Thames International, led by Mr. Jaime Noel Santos, its President, and resource speakers Ms. Katrina Mallillin and Ms. Johanna Michelle Lim, the program equipped participants with insights and tools to innovate within the creative economy.
Participants explored topics such as creative tourism strategies, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices.
They also collaborated in crafting a roadmap aimed at positioning Tagbilaran City as a globally recognized City of Music under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
The program not only enhanced the skills of local creatives but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration.
By integrating the learnings from the Rondalla Workshop, the city aims to weave its traditional and contemporary musical expressions into a cohesive cultural narrative, showcasing its unique identity on a global platform.
Mayor Jane Censoria Yap, a staunch advocate of the city’s creative and cultural aspirations, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating: “Our efforts to nurture creativity among our youth and local creatives are rooted in our vision of Tagbilaran City as a global hub for innovation and cultural excellence. This program is a testament to our unwavering commitment to achieving this goal.”
The collaboration between the City Government of Tagbilaran, DTI, and Thames International underscores the power of partnerships in driving innovation. The roadmap crafted during the program lays out actionable steps to further strengthen the city’s creative sector and pave the way for its inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
With the success of both the Rondalla Workshop in September and the Creative Tourism and Entrepreneurship Program in December, Tagbilaran City has laid a solid foundation for its journey toward global recognition. These initiatives demonstrate how culture and creativity can be powerful drivers of economic growth, community development, and international acclaim.
As the city continues to harmonize tradition and innovation, Tagbilaran is poised to become a beacon of creativity, enriching lives and inspiring the world through the transformative power of music and the arts.
The City Government of Tagbilaran successfully hosted the Lunsod Lunsad 2024 Creative Tourism and Entrepreneurship Program on December 9-11, 2024 at Jj’s Seafood Village. In photo are the program participants, along with Thames International President Jaime Noel Santos (seated, 4th from left) and Katrina Angela May Mallillin, Resource Person from Thames International (seated, 5th from left).Contributed photo
TCC produces first batch of Japanese Language Program Graduates
Tagbilaran City College (TCC), in partnership with the Tagbilaran City Government and Aoike Academy – Japan, celebrated the completion of its first batch of participants in the Japanese Language Program on December 5, 2024. The activity was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing global competencies. It featured 105 hours of intensive training led by Japanese instructors Marie Nobis Sensei, Yamato San, Yum San, and Mika San, equipping participants with basic language proficiency and cultural understanding.
Spearheaded by TCC’s Community Extension and Internationalization Coordinator, Mrs. Dorothy Lopena, the program reflects the city’s commitment to internationalization and cultural exchange. The success of the initiative was made possible through the support of Aoike Academy President Hiroki Aoike, Philippine Principal Clyde Malon, TCC President Dr. Del Mark Cagatin, and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap.
Mayor Yap commended the graduates, emphasizing the city’s dedication to preparing globally competitive citizens. “This program bridges cultures and opens doors to global opportunities. We are proud of our graduates for taking this vital step,” she said.
The second batch of the Japanese Language Program is set to begin in February 2025, underscoring the city’s vision of providing transformative educational opportunities. This initiative strengthens Tagbilaran’s role in fostering international collaboration and cultural understanding.
Tagbilaran City College (TCC), in partnership with the City Government of Tagbilaran and Aoike Academy-Japan, celebrated the completion of its first Japanese Language Program on December 11, 2024, at the City Hall Atrium. Photo shows the program graduates and representatives from each partner organization. Contributed photo