Mayor Yap congratulates graduates of Academy for Women Entrepreneurs

The Tagbilaran City Government, in partnership with the United States Embassy and Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK! Philippines), proudly celebrated the graduation of 20 aspiring women entrepreneurs from Tagbilaran City who completed the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program.

The ceremony was held on January 23, 2025, at the City Hall Atrium.

The graduates, all from Tagbilaran City, successfully finished 13 online and self-paced modules, which culminated in the presentation of their business ideas during the event.

The most outstanding graduate, selected for her exceptional business pitch, will represent Tagbilaran City in a national competition to be held in Manila, showcasing the entrepreneurial talent fostered by this initiative.

In her address, Mayor Jane Yap expressed her pride in the graduates and underscored the vital role of women in driving economic progress.
 “To our graduates from Tagbilaran City, congratulations! You have proven that women in our city are not only resourceful but also capable of becoming leaders in business and entrepreneurship.

The City Government will continue to support programs like AWE that create opportunities for women and pave the way for inclusive economic development,” she said.

The AWE program, a flagship initiative of the U.S. government, aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and resources necessary to launch and scale their businesses.

By fostering mentorship and local partnerships, the program provides participants with the tools they need for sustainable business growth.

Ms. Janice Freytag, Grants Manager of the U.S. Embassy of the Philippines and Ms. Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines, delivered messages of inspiration for the graduates.

Mayor Jane Yap also extended her gratitude to the U.S. Embassy and SPARK! Philippines for their valuable collaboration, noting that such partnerships align with the city’s vision of empowering every sector of society.

Mayor Jane Yap (2nd row, 7th from left) joined dignitaries and the graduating class of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program on January 23, 2025 at the Tagbilaran City Atrium. The successful completion of the program marks a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs in the city. (Contributed photo)

Tagbilaran City strengthens public safety with motorcycle units and uniforms

In a significant step toward enhancing public safety and service efficiency, the City Government of Tagbilaran officially turned over two new motorcycle units and uniforms to the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) and ALERT on January 18, 2025 at the City Tourism Office.

The turnover was personally led by Mayor Jane Yap, demonstrating the city government’s continued commitment to support its personnel in their mission to maintain public safety and provide quick emergency responses.

The newly acquired motorcycle units will significantly improve the mobility and operational readiness of the CTMO and ALERT teams, enabling them to quickly respond to traffic incidents and emergencies across the city.

Along with the motorcycles, new uniforms were provided to enhance the visibility and professionalism of the personnel while on duty.

These updates are part of the city’s broader effort to strengthen its emergency response capabilities and ensure the safety of Tagbilaran residents.

In her speech, Mayor Yap expressed her deep appreciation for the dedication of the CTMO and ALERT personnel.

She said, “The turnover of these motorcycles and uniforms is a clear demonstration of Tagbilaran City Government’s commitment to supporting our law enforcement and emergency response teams.

You are the first responders in times of crisis, and your work is invaluable to us all. Today, we do not only provide you with new tools but also recognize your exceptional service in keeping our city safe.”

During the same event, Mayor Jane Yap also led the 4th Quarter Awarding Ceremony, recognizing the top-performing members of both the CTMO and ALERT for their exemplary service and dedication.

The ceremony served as an acknowledgement of the hard work and achievements of the personnel who have consistently gone above and beyond in their duties to uphold public safety throughout the past quarter.

CTMO Head Antonio Samante and ALERT Head Pelagio Rosagaran, expressed their gratitude for the support from the city government, acknowledging that these resources will go a long way in improving their operational effectiveness.

Through this continued support and recognition, Mayor Jane Yap and the Tagbilaran City Government reaffirm their commitment to strengthening public safety and providing the necessary tools and resources to ensure a safe and efficient city.

In photo, from left to right: Antonio Samante, Head of the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO); Mayor Jane Yap, and Pelagio Rosagaran, Head of ALERT; during the formal turnover ceremony of two newly acquired motorcycle units and uniforms held on January 18, 2025, at the City Tourism Office. This initiative underscores the City Government of Tagbilaran’s commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency response operations. (Contributed photo)