City Government of Tagbilaran conducts Climate Change and HIV Awareness Symposia in observance of National Women’s Month 2025

Tagbilaran City – In celebration of National Women’s Month 2025, the City Government of Tagbilaran, through the Gender and Development Focal Point System Technical Working Group (GAD-GFPS TWG), in collaboration with the Tagbilaran City Private Schools Federated Parents-Teachers Association, successfully conducted the Climate Change and HIV Awareness Symposia on March 20, 2025, at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City.

The activity was made possible through the support of the Yap-Jala Administration, which strongly advocates for Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives in the city.

The event gathered female student leaders from both public and private elementary and high schools, female representatives from parents, teachers, women’s organizations, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

This initiative aimed to empower women and young leaders with knowledge on two pressing global issues—climate change and HIV/AIDS—while fostering dialogue and engagement on gender-sensitive policies and programs in the city.

The Climate Change Symposium kicked off the day with informative discussions led by esteemed speakers, including Mr. Ej Lacea, staff from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Mr. Joe Pres Alam Gaudiano, Program Manager of Catholic Relief Services, and Ms. Vera Villocido, Marketing Head of Holy Name University.

Student leaders actively participated in the event, by presenting their adaptation and mitigation strategies to address climate change in their communities.

Their presentations showcased innovative solutions and proactive measures to enhance resilience and environmental sustainability in Tagbilaran City.

In the afternoon, the HIV Awareness Symposium provided a platform for meaningful discussions on health and well-being.

Expert resource speakers included Dr. Van Phillip P. Baton, RN, MDM, DMO V, from the Department of Health – Provincial Office, and Ms. Cris T. Estomago, RMT, HIV/AIDS Provincial Coordinator from the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

The session highlighted the importance of HIV prevention, early detection, and proper treatment.

Parents, teachers, and students engaged in a healthy exchange of thoughts, ideas, and insights, fostering a deeper understanding of HIV-related issues and breaking the stigma surrounding the disease.

Beyond the discussions, the symposia provided an opportunity for attendees to voice their suggestions for improving GAD-related projects, programs, and activities in the City Government of Tagbilaran.

The collaborative effort strengthened the city’s commitment to gender equality, climate action, and public health awareness.

With the unwavering support of the Yap-Jala Administration, Tagbilaran City continues to champion initiatives that empower women, protect the environment, and safeguard public health.

As the city moves forward, it remains dedicated to creating a future where inclusivity, resilience, and progress define its path, proving that when a community unites for a cause, real and lasting change is possible.

Student leaders converged at JJ’s Seafood Village in Tagbilaran City on March 20, 2025, for a whole-day Climate Change and HIV Awareness Symposium. Organized by the City Government of Tagbilaran through the GAD-GFPS TWG, the event equipped young leaders with knowledge and strategies to tackle pressing environmental and health concerns, including climate change adaptation and mitigation plans. Contributed photo

Tagbilaran conducts mobile services in Manga

As part of the celebration of Barangay Manga’s 127th Foundation Day on March 19, 2025, the City Government of Tagbilaran, under the leadership of Mayor Jane Yap, conducted the Gugma sa Tagbilaran Libreng Mobile Services in Barangay Manga.

This flagship program, initiated by Mayor Yap and Vice Mayor Adam Jala, aims to deliver various free services to all barangays, puroks, and communities within the city, ensuring that essential government services reach every Tagbilaranon.

The program offers a comprehensive range of services, including medical and dental check-ups, legal consultations, civil registration, and other essential government services.

By deploying mobile service units directly to different barangays, the city government ensures that residents can access these vital services without the need to travel far.

During the event held at Barangay Manga, a dedicated team of city government employees and volunteers worked tirelessly to provide an array of services to the residents.

The City Mobile Health Clinic offered various medical services, including general consultations, ultrasound tests, cardiac panels, ECGs, blood typing, X-rays, and complete blood counts (CBC).

The Mobile Dental Bus was also present, providing dental consultations and extractions, ensuring that comprehensive healthcare services were available to all attendees.

The event offered a wide range of other services such as legal assistance, civil registry services, job and livelihood assistance, free haircut and massages.

Residents of Barangay Manga, led by Barangay Captain Nilo Lumantas, warmly welcomed the mobile services event, expressing their gratitude for the city government’s efforts to bring essential services directly to their community.

Mayor Jane Yap praised the efforts of everyone involved in organizing the event, emphasizing the importance of making government services accessible to all citizens.

“Through initiatives like the Gugma sa Tagbilaran Libreng Mobile Services, we are able to provide vital services to our residents, especially those who may face difficulties accessing them. Our goal is to ensure that every citizen of Tagbilaran can receive the support they need, regardless of where they live,” she stated.

This initiative exemplifies the city government’s commitment to enhancing public service delivery by improving accessibility and convenience for its people.

Representing Mayor Jane Yap, Mr. Merick Blanco (standing, center) joined the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility staff during the Gugma sa Tagbilaran Libreng Mobile Services in Barangay Manga on March 19, 2025. This initiative, part of Barangay Manga’s 127th Foundation Day celebration, delivered vital healthcare and government services to the community. Contributed photo