Mayor Yap, VM Jala ranked among Bohol’s Best for strong governance and people-first policies
The leadership of Tagbilaran City continues to shine, as both Mayor Jane Yap and Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala were named among the Top Performing Local Officials in Bohol based on the latest Pulso ng Bayan Survey.
Mayor Yap was singled out as one of the Top Performing Mayors for her first 100 days in office and for the third quarter of 2025, while Vice Mayor Jala earned recognition as one of the Top Performing Vice Mayors for the same period.
Their joint recognition underscores the city government’s strong, transparent, and accountable leadership.
The recognition is based on the latest Pulso ng Bayan Survey, which polled 3,000 respondents across the province with a ±3% margin of error and a 95% confidence level.
The survey, a joint undertaking of Visayas Social Pulse and Transparency, Good Governance & Accountability Advocates, evaluates elected officials on their performance and governance style.
According to the survey, Mayor Yap stood out for her commitment to transparent governance, accountability, and responsiveness—qualities that have earned her the trust and confidence of her constituents.
Her administration’s early achievements and quick response to the needs of Tagbilaranons have set the tone for her first term.
The Pulso ng Bayan Survey measured the performance of mayors and vice mayors across Bohol using five core principles of local governance: transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, and effectiveness.
In response to the recognition, Mayor Yap expressed her gratitude She said: to the people of Tagbilaran. She said; “This honor belongs to every Tagbilaranon. Transparent and accountable leadership is not just a promise—it is our way of life in City Hall. Together, we will continue to build a city that works for everyone.”
The recognition of both Mayor Yap and Vice Mayor Jala highlights the growing public confidence in Tagbilaran City’s governance, which has consistently championed inclusive development and people-first policies.
Leading with excellence, Mayor Jane Yap and Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala have once again proven their mettle as top-notch leaders, earning recognition as among Bohol’s top-performing local officials in the latest Pulso ng Bayan Survey. (Contributed photo)
New businesses bring fresh opportunities, jobs to the city boosting local economy
The local economy received another boost this September as several new businesses formally opened in the city, offering fresh opportunities for jobs, services, and investments.
Among the establishments launched were the BODARE Crown Residence on September 12, 2025 at J.A. Clarin Street in Barangay Dao; Paz Pharmacy on September 15, 2025 along Miguel Parras Street in front of the Giov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital; RER Mini Ice Maker in Purok 3, Barangay Manga; and the well-known rice cake chain Bibingkinitan, which opened its branch on September 27, 2025 at the ground floor of Alta Citta Mall.
Ahead of these openings, GILT Coffee Bar began operations on August 23, 2025 at the Jeale Building in Barangay Mansasa.
First District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II represented Mayor Jane Yap during the ceremonies, joining business owners and local officials in welcoming the new ventures.
In a message delivered by Congressman Yap, Mayor Jane thanked the investors for choosing Tagbilaran, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting enterprises
that contribute to local development.
“Every new business that opens in Tagbilaran is a step forward in creating more jobs and opportunities for our people. The city government will continue to support our business community as partners in building a vibrant and inclusive local economy,” she said.
These developments presents the city’s well-earned recognitions, including being awarded as the 2023 Most Business-Friendly City (Component City Category) by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
Tagbilaran was also named a Hall of Fame Awardee, an honor conferred after winning the prestigious title three times for the past five years.
The City also received the Outstanding and Business-Friendly City in the Philippines award from World Class Philippines 2023.
With its continued progress and strong governance, Tagbilaran City remains a beacon for investment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth in Central Visayas.
First District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II (second from left), representing Mayor Jane Yap, joins the key staff of Paz Pharmacy during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of their new branch along Miguel Parras Street, Tagbilaran City, on September 15, 2025. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran rallies behind Bogo: sends rescue team to aid in Quake Response
In a show of solidarity and bayanihan spirit, the City Government of Tagbilaran, through the Tagbilaran City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has deployed a contingent to Bogo City, Cebu to assist in search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) operations following the recent earthquake that struck the area.
The CDRRMO team which departed for Cebu on October 1, 2025 is composed of four SRR personnel with one rescue pick-up, three medical responders with an ambulance, and one communicator equipped with a base radio and handheld radios.
The group is led by its Team Leader Melvin Costan alongside Emmanuel Supremo and team members.
CDRRMO Head Gerard Lavadia said that the team also brought along essential equipment, including extrication tools, body bags, victim finders-vibraphone and vibrascope, spreader/cutter, tower lights, lifting bags, ropes, generator sets, circular saws, chainsaws, and bolt cutters, as well as drinking water and ready-to-eat food packs to immediately assist victims.
According to the CDRRMO, they have already established coordination with the LGU of Bogo City to ensure the efficient implementation of their mission.
Mayor Jane Yap, in her message of support, emphasized the city’s commitment to extend help beyond its borders.
“In solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Cebu, the people of Tagbilaran City are sending help. We are ready to share our resources, skills, and compassion to help our brothers and sisters rebuild and recover,” the mayor said.
The team departed Tagbilaran on board the city’s newly blessed rescue vehicle and ambulance, which were turned over just last Monday—further strengthening the city’s capacity to respond to emergencies, not only locally, but also in neighboring provinces.
Tagbilaran CDRRMO team arrives in Bogo City, Cebu, ready to lend a hand in quake relief efforts, embodying the bayanihan spirit. Contributed photo