Tagbilaran City wins 1st Regional Epidemiology, Surveillance Gold Award
Tagbilaran City continues to shine in the field of public health as the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility (TCPCF) was awarded the 1st Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Gold Award by the Department of Health-Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH CVCHD).
The awarding rites were held on August 20, 2025 at Mandani Bay, Mandaue City.
Organized by DOH-CVCHD, the recognition highlighted the outstanding performance of the city’s health sector in the establishment of its City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU).
Tagbilaran was commended for its consistent efforts in capturing and reporting cases with accuracy, timeliness, and comprehensiveness, as well as for its successful accomplishment of the Disease Reporting Unit assessment tool across the preparatory, organizational, and functional levels.
The award was personally received by City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc and Mr. Paulo Sarabia, representing the dedicated workforce behind the city’s surveillance and disease monitoring initiatives.
It may be recalled that just last week, Tagbilaran City also garnered two major recognitions from the Department of Health: the Green Banner Award and the Good Nutrition Practice Award for its effective and sustainable nutrition programs that continue to benefit the people of the city.
City Mayor Jane Yap lauded the latest achievement as proof of Tagbilaran’s growing leadership in public health in the region. “This award is a reflection of the tireless commitment of our health frontliners, barangay health workers, barangay officials, and the staff of the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility.
Their dedication ensures that our people receive not only services, but also the confidence that their health is protected.
We are proud to stand among the best in Central Visayas, and this recognition inspires us to continue raising the standards of healthcare in our beloved city,” the mayor said.
Dr. Jeia Pondoc also expressed gratitude to her team and underscored the importance of accurate health data in policymaking and public service delivery.
The award ceremony carried the theme “Upholding Excellence Through Timely, Accurate, and Comprehensive Information Management,” bringing together health leaders and professionals from across Central Visayas.
With three prestigious awards in just a span of weeks, Tagbilaran City has proven its steadfast commitment to building a healthier future for its citizens—an achievement that resonates not only within the city but across the region.
From (l-r): Ruth Cecilia Del Prado, DMO IV; City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc, and Mr. Paulo Sarabia proudly receive the 1st Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Gold Award for Tagbilaran City from the Department of Health–Central Visayas Center for Health Development during the awarding ceremony held on August 20, 2025, at Mandani Bay, Mandaue City. This recognition highlights Tagbilaran City’s excellence in disease surveillance and reporting, solidifying its reputation as a public health leader under the Yap–Jala Administration. Contributed photo
Tagbilaran City pioneers successful Cityzen ID registration
The City Government of Tagbilaran has successfully conducted the month-long registration for the pioneering Tagbilaran Cityzen ID, with residents from different barangays flocking to scheduled venues throughout August 2025.
The registration, held at barangay covered courts in Booy on August 7–9, Bool on August 11–13, Poblacion 2 on August 14–16, Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium on August 18–20, and TipTip on August 28–30, was open to all residents aged 18 years old and above.
In partnership with GCash, the country’s leading e-wallet platform, the Tagbilaran Cityzen ID is designed to modernize citizen-government interactions by enabling seamless, cashless transactions for government services and incentive programs.
This groundbreaking initiative not only streamlines service delivery but also reinforces Tagbilaran City’s commitment to building a smarter, more connected, and future-ready community.
The Cityzen ID also functions as a virtual wallet, a concept that inspired Mayor Jane Yap’s very first Executive Order upon assuming office in 2022 — the digitalization of Tagbilaran City.
Since then, the City Government has pursued a vision of harnessing technology to improve governance, strengthen transparency, and deliver faster, more efficient services to its people.
Mayor Jane Yap emphasized the significance of this milestone as she said: “The Cityzen ID is more than just a card—it is the key to a modern and inclusive Tagbilaran. By embracing digitalization, we are empowering our people, ensuring transparency, and making public services more accessible. This is only the beginning of building a smarter and more connected community for every Tagbilaranon.” The City Government of Tagbilaran, under the leadership of Mayor Yap and Vice Mayor Adam Jala, proudly launched the Cityzen ID on April 25, 2025, making Tagbilaran the first local government unit (LGU) in the Visayas and Mindanao to roll out this pioneering digital governance innovation.
With its successful barangay-level registration, the Cityzen ID marks another milestone in Tagbilaran’s vision of providing efficient, inclusive, and tech-driven public service.
The Tagbilaran Cityzen ID, launched in partnership with GCash, serves as both a government ID and a virtual wallet, streamlining public service transactions and enabling cashless payments. Backed by Mayor Jane Yap and the Yap–Jala Administration, this pioneering initiative reflects the city’s strong push for digitalization, transparency, and smarter governance, making Tagbilaran the first LGU in Visayas and Mindanao to introduce this innovation. Contributed photo
Tagbilaran City holds successful Creative Industries Seminar, Workshop
Tagbilaran City, August 19-20, 2025 — The City Government of Tagbilaran, through the City Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (CEDIPO), successfully hosted the Creative Industries Seminar and Workshop at JJ’s Seafood Village, this city.
The two-day event brought together government officials, industry experts, and key stakeholders to discuss and explore the growth and development of the creative industries in the city.
The seminar aimed to equip participants with updated knowledge and practical tools to strengthen the creative sector, which is becoming an essential pillar of the city’s economy.
On Day 1, August 19, the program commenced with opening remarks from
City Administrator Alvin Luis O. Acuzar.
A highlight of the first day was the brief overview of the Creative Industry in its Legal Aspect presented by Mr. Blair Panong.
Participants also engaged in discussions facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), emphasizing the vital role of creative industries in local development.
In addition to the scheduled program, a special presentation was delivered by Mr. Joshua Eleazar P. Domen from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), whose expertise provided valuable insights into the digital landscape and its intersection with the creative sector.
Day 2, August 20, featured insightful sessions on policy framework formulation, including group discussions and presentations on outputs facilitated by CEDIPO Head, Atty. Vincent Louie A. Raotraot.
Group outputs on how to navigate, improve, and support the creative industries were then pitched to three panelists: City Councilor Nerio Zamora II, City Councilor Christian Merick Blanco, and Mr. Alexis Cadeliña, representative from the City Mayor’s Office and head of the City Events Culture and Arts Office (CECAO).
It was a fruitful discussion among legislators, LGU representatives, and creatives, highlighting that the creative industry can become a key economic driver in Tagbilaran City with proper support and collaboration.
The event was held with the full support and encouragement of City Mayor Jane C. Yap, whose vision for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development continues to inspire initiatives that empower the creative sector and enhance the city’s competitiveness.
The City Government of Tagbilaran, through CEDIPO, expressed gratitude to all participants, resource persons, and partners for their active involvement in the event.
This seminar-workshop aligns with the city’s vision of becoming “A Highly Urbanized, Resilient and Livable City by 2030″, fostering sustainable economic growth through the development of creative industries.
As the creative industries continue to evolve, Tagbilaran City remains committed to fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration among its stakeholders, thereby promoting a more vibrant and inclusive local economy.
City Administrator Alvin Luis O. Acuzar delivers his welcome message during the opening of the Creative Industries Seminar and Workshop held on August 19, 2025, at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City. In his remarks, Acuzar underscored the Yap–Jala Administration’s strong commitment to empowering Tagbilaranon creatives, noting that the city views the creative sector as both a cultural asset and a vital driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Contributed photo