Tagbilaran City provides free meals for elementary school Christmas parties
For the first time in history, the City Government of Tagbilaran took a bold step to ensure joyful and stress-free Christmas celebrations by providing free meals for all public elementary school Christmas parties in the city on December 19-20, 2024.
This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Jane Yap, aligns with the Department of Education’s directive prohibiting mandatory contributions, both monetary and in-kind, for Christmas parties in public schools.
Mayor Yap said that the purpose of the free lunch is to eliminate the usual financial burden on parents during the holiday season. “We want our children to enjoy a meaningful celebration without parents having to worry about expenses. Christmas should be a time of joy and unity,” Mayor Yap said.
The free meals, distributed to all elementary schools, brought delight to students, teachers, and parents, setting a new precedent for inclusive and stress-free celebrations in the city.
Parents expressed their gratitude for the initiative, which allowed them to focus on the holiday spirit without financial concerns.
This effort underscores the Yap-Jala administration’s commitment to supporting families and fostering a community that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its residents, especially during the holiday season.
The Tagbilaran City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Jane Yap, spreads holiday cheer by providing free meals for elementary school Christmas parties in this Holiday Season. Captured in the photo are the teachers, staff, and students of Tiptip Elementary School during the distribution of goods on December 19, 2024. Contributed photo
TCC students receive P10,000 Tertiary Education Subsidy
Tagbilaran City continues to uphold its commitment to accessible and quality education for all Tagbilaranons as Mayor Jane Yap led the distribution of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) worth ₱10,000 per semester to students of Tagbilaran City College (TCC). The distribution ceremony took place on December 17, 2024, at the City Hall Atrium.
The TES is a grants-in-aid program under Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
It provides financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in public and private higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
This vital program aims to support students in meeting the costs of education, such as tuition, books, and other essential expenses.
Joining Mayor Yap in the ceremonial distribution were TCC President Dr. Del Mark Cagatin, Scholarship Officer Dina Trajano, Student Affairs Coordinator Leia Reformina, and Disbursement Officer Jonas Montesco.
The event marked another milestone in the city government’s commitment to providing free college education for Tagbilaranons, fulfilling a key priority of Mayor Yap’s administration.
In her message, Mayor Yap underscored the importance of the subsidy and urged the students to make the most of the opportunity.
“This assistance comes from the taxes paid by the hardworking people of Tagbilaran. Study well and find ways to give back to your city,” she told the students.
The TES program aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families, enabling them to focus on their studies without worrying about tuition and other expenses.
The beneficiaries, many of whom expressed gratitude during the event, hailed the initiative as a vital support system for their academic pursuits.
This latest education initiative further cements Tagbilaran City’s reputation as a model for prioritizing education in local governance.
Mayor Yap’s administration continues to champion programs that empower the youth, foster academic excellence, and ensure a brighter future for Tagbilaranons.
Photo shows Mayor Jane Yap of Tagbilaran City delivering a heartfelt and inspiring message to the students of Tagbilaran City College during the distribution of their Tertiary Education Subsidy. The event, held on December 17, 2024, at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium, highlighted the City Government’s commitment to empowering the youth through accessible and quality education. Contributed photo
Tagbilaran City earns high performing status in the 2024 Bansiwag Governance Awards for Peace and Order
The City of Tagbilaran has once again demonstrated its commitment to governance excellence, earning recognition as a “High Performing” Local Government Unit (LGU) in the 2024 Bansiwag Governance Awards under the Peace and Order Council (POC) category.
This prestigious accolade highlights the city’s dedication to ensuring safety, security, and harmony through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts.
The Bansiwag Governance Awards recognize local governments that excel in implementing innovative, sustainable, and impactful governance practices.
Tagbilaran City’s high-performing status was achieved after a comprehensive evaluation under the 2024 POC Regional Performance Audit, where the city stood out for its exemplary coordination, effective program execution, and measurable results in addressing public safety and peace-related concerns.
Representing Mayor Jane Yap, City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar, along with Tagbilaran City PNP Chief PLTCOL John Kareen Escober and City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO) Juliet Olalo, proudly received the award during the ceremony held on December 17, 2024, at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu in Cebu City.
Their presence highlighted the city’s commitment to proactive and collaborative governance.
This milestone reflects the city’s relentless efforts to create a secure and peaceful environment for all Tagbilaranons.
By fostering strong coordination among local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders, the city has developed robust mechanisms to address security challenges and nurture a culture of peace and harmony.
Central to these efforts are programs focusing on crime prevention, disaster response, and community engagement, which have effectively mitigated risks and enhanced public trust.
These initiatives reflect the city’s adherence to DILG standards and its determination to address local concerns with innovative and inclusive strategies.
The City Government of Tagbilaran has consistently prioritized the strengthening of its Peace and Order Council through community policing, grassroots education campaigns, and responsive systems that address security and safety challenges.
These initiatives, combined with a people-centered approach, have significantly contributed to the city’s governance success.
Tagbilaran City’s recognition is not just a compliance milestone—it is proof of the impact of its well-orchestrated strategies.
By championing transparency, accountability, and active community participation, the city continues to pave the way for sustainable peace and order.
This achievement is a product of collaboration and shared responsibility.
The unwavering support of the community and the tireless efforts of stakeholders—including barangay officials, law enforcement officers, and civil society organizations—have been instrumental in creating a safer and more harmonious Tagbilaran.
The recognition serves as both an acknowledgment of the city’s progress and a motivation to continue innovating in pursuit of governance excellence.
By staying true to its mission of inclusivity and sustainability, Tagbilaran City remains steadfast in its vision of improving the quality of life for every resident.
As Tagbilaran City forges ahead, its Peace and Order Council continues to stand as a model of leadership, collaboration, and commitment.
This recognition from the 2024 Bansiwag Governance Awards reaffirms the city’s resolve to enhance public safety, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that every Tagbilaranon experiences the benefits of good governance.
With this achievement, Tagbilaran City solidifies its position as a beacon of peace and development, setting a standard for other LGUs to emulate.
Tagbilaran City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar (5th from right) proudly represented Mayor Jane Yap at the 2024 Bansiwag Governance Awards for Peace and Order, where Tagbilaran City was honored as a High-Performing Local Government Unit (LGU). The awarding ceremony, held on December 17, 2024, at Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu City, was attended by City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO) Juliet Olalo (4th from right), Tagbilaran City PNP Chief of Police PLTCOL John Kareen Escober (3rd from right), and other esteemed guests. Contributed photo