Tagbilaran City gears up for Gender-Responsive Governance with GAD orientation
The City Government of Tagbilaran spearheaded a Gender and Development (GAD) Orientation for newly elected officials, department heads, and heads of offices on September 15, 2025, at JJ’s Seafood Village.
This activity reinforces the city’s commitment to inclusive and gender-responsive governance.
The orientation featured Ms. Ma. Reina Abellana Quilas of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bohol as the resource speaker.
She provided comprehensive inputs on Gender Sensitivity Training, the legal bases of GAD, the mandates of local government units in mainstreaming GAD, and the formulation of the City’s GAD Agenda for 2026–2028.
According to Ms. Quilas, mainstreaming GAD is not only a legal requirement but also a vital step in ensuring that government programs and services genuinely address the needs of all sectors of society.
She emphasized that with the right perspective and proper planning, LGUs can institutionalize gender equality and inclusivity in governance.
The activity also jump-started the formulation of the GAD Agenda for 2026–2028, which will serve as the city’s roadmap in embedding gender perspectives in local planning and development.
This ensures that the services for every Pamilyang Tagbilaranon are responsive, equitable, and inclusive.
The GAD Agenda will be aligned with the Executive Agenda of Mayor Jane Yap for 2026–2028, reinforcing her administration’s commitment to people-centered and participative governance.
Mayor Jane Yap, who was represented by 1st District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, underscored the importance of the orientation.
In his message, Congressman Yap highlighted that, “Mainstreaming GAD means going beyond compliance—it is about shaping services and programs that are fair and responsive to the diverse realities of our people. This orientation is a step forward in ensuring that gender equality is not just a principle, but a lived experience for every Tagbilaranon.”
With the active participation of city officials and department heads, the orientation sets the tone for stronger integration of GAD in local governance in the coming years.
The City Government of Tagbilaran honors Ms. Ma. Reina A. Quilas of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bohol with a certificate of appreciation for her valuable contribution as a resource speaker during the Gender and Development Orientation on September 15, 2025. Pictured (L-R): CGAD Focal Person Alica Faith C. Bayocot, Hon. Agustinus Gonzaga, Ms. Ma. Reina A. Quilas, and Hon. Gemma Inting. Contributed photo
New Biz Spots open doors, fueling Tagbilaran’s economic growth, opportunities
Tagbilaran City continues to strengthen its reputation as a thriving center for commerce and investment with the recent opening of new business establishments across the city this month of September.
Mayor Jane Yap, represented by First District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, led a series of ribbon-cutting ceremonies that highlighted the city’s growing business landscape.
On September 15, 2025, the 7th branch of Paz Pharmacy officially opened at Miguel Parras Street, fronting Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center.
The expansion of the pharmacy chain reflects both consumer demand and confidence in Tagbilaran’s business climate.
It is also enhancing healthcare accessibility for residents and visitors.
Earlier this month, two more establishments marked their entry into the city’s business community.
On September 8, 2025, the VIP Radiance Beauty Lounge and Aesthetic Clinic held its grand opening and blessing at SUM Building Dos, CPG East Avenue.
The clinic offers a range of beauty and wellness services, providing clients with modern aesthetic treatments in a professional setting.
On the same day, the Chielsy Clothing Boutique launched its newest branch at the second floor of JLU Building, Task Us, Dampas.
The boutique aims to cater to the city’s growing fashion market, showcasing apparel that blends style and accessibility.
These openings follow the launch of two other businesses last month.
On August 18, 2025, Emcor Tagbilaran officially opened along CPG North Avenue in Barangay Cogon, further expanding the availability of appliances, electronics, and motorcycles in the city.
On the same day, Café Amato celebrated its grand opening at the second floor of the Home and Fashion Department at Island City Mall, offering a new dining option for mall-goers and coffee enthusiasts.
In her message, Mayor Jane Yap extended her full support to the entrepreneurs and business owners for choosing Tagbilaran as the home of their new ventures.
She emphasized that every new business represents, not only growth in commerce, but also new opportunities for employment and community development.
“The City Government of Tagbilaran is committed to creating an environment where businesses can flourish, because we know that every investment made in our city contributes to the progress and well-being of our people,” Mayor Yap said.
The opening of these establishments underscores the city’s steady economic momentum and reflects the trust and confidence of the private sector in the local government’s vision for development.
Honored to represent Mayor Jane Yap at the grand opening of Chielsy Clothing Boutique’s newest branch in Tagbilaran City, supporting local businesses and empowering our community’s growth, Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II (3rd from right) joins the owners of Chielsy Clothing Boutique for a photo opportunity, celebrating the grand opening of their new branch and fostering economic development in Tagbilaran City. Contributed photo
DILG Region XII Officials benchmark Tagbilaran government’s best practices in learning visit!
The City Government of Tagbilaran formally welcomed officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office XII on September 19, 2025 in a learning visit aimed at highlighting the city’s innovative practices in governance, digitalization, and citizen participation.
The bench marking activity commenced with the arrival of the delegation at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Command Center, where CDRRMO Head Gerard Lavadia presented an overview of the city’s e911 and command center operations.
The group then proceeded to the City Hall for a gallery viewing facilitated by the City’s Civil Society Organization Desk Officer Kim Anub.
Then, a learning session was held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall where City Department Heads talked about their governance innovations.
Presentations and discussions were delivered by : City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar, who discussed people’s participation in governance as a catalyst for inclusive development; Chief of Staff Cathelyn Torremocha, who outlined Tagbilaran City’s journey as part of the Open Government Partnership; and CEDIPO Head Atty. Vincent Louie Raotraot, who introduced the CityZEN ID, a digital identification system powered by GCash.
Additional speakers included City Treasurer Hubert Inas and former Business Permit and Licensing Office Head Atty. Colleen Rose Guantero who talked about the city’s electronic Business One Stop Shop; Dr. Chris John Torralba of the City General Services Office on the CGSO e-Procurement system ; and Adefla Salutan on the City’s Livelihood Programs.
In her solidarity message, Mayor Jane Yap reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and meaningful collaboration with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
“Tagbilaran City continues to open its doors to fellow local government units because we believe that sharing knowledge and experiences is vital to building stronger, more resilient communities,” Mayor Yap said.
The visit underscored Tagbilaran City’s position as a hub for governance learning and exchange.
The best practices of the City Government have made it a frequent destination for study and benchmarking visits by other local government units, not only from within the Province of Bohol but also from various parts of the country.
Photo shows officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office XII, led by Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, join Tagbilaran City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar and Chief of Staff Cathelyn Torremocha for a photo opportunity at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall during their learning visit on September 19, 2025. Contributed photo