Tagbilaran Community Groups empowered with Livelihood Boost
Six community-based livelihood associations in Tagbilaran City received essential tools, equipment, and materials to launch their proposed businesses through the LiveWIRE Program of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), in partnership with the City Government of Tagbilaran and the City Livelihood and Community Development Unit (CLCDU).
The formal turnover ceremony marked the successful implementation of the second batch of beneficiaries under the LiveWIRE Program, a community enterprise development initiative empowering local groups to become self-sustaining through entrepreneurship.
The beneficiaries and their projects are:
– Persons with Disability (PWD) Association – Containerized Gardening
– Tagbilaran Muslim Women’s Association – Halal Foods and Restaurant
– Hugpong Kababay-an sa Lower Cogon – Souvenir Production
– Metro Tagbilaran Tricycle Driver’s Association – Spare Parts Business
– Booy Women’s Association – Cakes and Pastries
– Madel and Cris – Kakanin Production
Each group received tailored startup resources to establish stable, community-rooted microenterprises. Mayor Jane Yap expressed gratitude to PSFI, saying, “The LiveWIRE Program has helped Tagbilaranons realize their greatest potentials, particularly in establishing socio-economic business initiatives for our organized community groups.”
The City Government’s initiative aims to strengthen social entrepreneurship, improve household incomes, and sustain livelihoods, especially among women’s groups, PWDs, transport workers, and informal sector associations. The City Livelihood and Community Development Unit, led by Ms. Adelfa Salutan, continues to collaborate with partners to support emerging local enterprises.
Members of the Tagbilaran Muslim Women’s Association proudly pose with cooking equipment for their Halal Food and Restaurant enterprise, a LiveWIRE Program beneficiary of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. The turnover ceremony, in partnership with the City Government of Tagbilaran and the City Livelihood and Community Development Unit, showcases efforts to empower grassroots enterprises and promote inclusive livelihood opportunities in the city. Contributed photo
Panglao Island Coastal Waters Shine: Named Finalist for National Water Quality Award
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has officially recognized the Panglao Island Coastal Waters Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) as a FINALIST for the Outstanding Water Quality Management Area in the country.
The significant announcement was made on June 27, 2025, during the DENR-EMB Water Summit held in Quezon City, highlighting Bohol’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Panglao Island Coastal Waters WQMA is a vital collaborative initiative that includes Tagbilaran City, alongside the Municipalities of Dauis and Panglao. Its establishment and operationalization are crucial components mandated by the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275), which aims to protect the country’s water bodies.
This multi-sectoral body brings together key representatives from national government agencies, the local government units of Panglao, Dauis, and Tagbilaran City, the academe, and various community organizations. Together, they are poised to implement robust monitoring systems, execute stringent pollution control measures, formulate evidence-based policy recommendations, and drive impactful community engagement initiatives to safeguard the coastal waters.
The inclusion of the Panglao Island Coastal Waters WQMA as a national finalist underscores the diligent work and collective commitment of all its member LGUs and partners.
The Tagbilaran City Environmental Management Office (TCEMO) is specifically lauded for its proactive efforts and significant contributions to this achievement.
The City Government of Tagbilaran extends its heartfelt congratulations to TCEMO headed by Engr. Raul Aparicio II and all stakeholders involved in this remarkable recognition. This accomplishment serves as a testament to the collective resolve to protect our precious marine resources and foster a healthier environment for generations to come.
Photo shows the Plaque recognizing Panglao Island Coastal Waters as a Finalist for Outstanding Water Quality Management Area in the Philippines, awarded at the DENR-EMB Water Summit on June 27, 2025, in Quezon City. This recognition highlights the collaborative efforts of Tagbilaran City, Dauis, and Panglao in protecting coastal water resources through the Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) program under the Philippine Clean Water Act. Contributed photo