Tagbilaran athletes gear up for Batang Pinoy 2025 National Finals
The City Government of Tagbilaran officially sent off its delegation of young athletes and coaches competing in the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Finals during a ceremony held on October 18, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall.
Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, representing Mayor Jane Yap, led the send-off and expressed his full support for the delegation that will carry the city’s banner in the national competition set in General Santos City from October 25 to 31, 2025.
In his message, Congressman Yap lauded the athletes’ determination and sportsmanship, noting that their participation reflects the city’s growing commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and promoting youth development through sports.
As a gesture of support, each athlete and coach received a ₱7,500 cash allowance, brand-new shoes, complete sports apparel including T-shirt, shorts, hoodie or jacket, cap, and varsity bag, as well as a toiletries kit.
Members of the swimming team also received Speedo swimsuits and trunks, while boxing athletes were provided with boxing jerseys.
Mayor Jane Yap, in her message delivered through Congressman Yap, emphasized the city government’s commitment to advancing grassroots sports programs. “We will continue to strengthen sports initiatives for our youth to help them stay away from vices, build discipline, and become goal-oriented individuals with bright and winning futures,” Mayor Yap said.
City officials, parents, and supporters gathered to show their encouragement as the athletes prepare to compete against the best young talents from across the country.
The City Government reaffirmed that its sustained investment in sports development is part of its broader vision to promote youth empowerment, community pride, and holistic well-being.
Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II poses with Tagbilaran City athletes after distributing uniforms and gear for the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Finals. (Contributed photo)
United for transparency, Tagbilaran City concludes CSO Empowerment Week 2025
The City Government of Tagbilaran, through the City Civil Society Organization (CSO) Desk and the Tagbilaran City People’s Council successfully concluded the CSO Empowerment Week 2025 on October 25, 2025 marking a week of learning, collaboration, and celebration that highlighted the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in participatory governance.
The weeklong celebration, held from October 20 to 25, 2025, opened with a Thanksgiving Mass, a motorcade around the city’s major thoroughfares, and a Binisaya Singing Contest at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium.
The opening program featured messages from Mayor Jane Yap represented by City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar, Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala, Councilor Jose Floro Ringca, TCPC Chairperson Ms. Marietta Gasatan and TCPC Vice Chairperson Francis Bernard Batoy.
In her inspirational message, Mayor Jane Yap reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to empowering CSOs as vital partners in local governance. “Tagbilaran City continues to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness by ensuring that our CSOs are not just observers but active participants in shaping our city’s future,” Mayor Yap said.
Throughout the week, various activities were held to strengthen CSO capacity and promote civic engagement. On October 21, 2025, CSO members participated in skills training sessions covering fundamentals of writing minutes of meetings, financial literacy, and gender sensitivity, aimed at improving organizational effectiveness and inclusiveness
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Environmental stewardship took center stage on October 22 with a Mangrove Planting Activity, where CSO members joined city officials in contributing to Tagbilaran’s coastal protection and sustainability efforts.
On October 24, participants engaged in livelihood training workshops that included siomai making, pandesal making, and organic fertilizer production, thus, support local entrepreneurship and food security.
The celebration culminated on October 25 with the CSO Olympics, a day filled with fun, teamwork, and friendly competition among participating organizations, fostering unity and camaraderie across diverse community groups.
CSO Desk Officer Kim Anub expressed gratitude to all participating organizations and city departments for their active involvement throughout the week, emphasizing that the activities reflect the city’s continuing effort to advance the principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) — transparency, accountability, and civic participation.
The CSO Empowerment Week 2025 stands as another milestone in the city’s pursuit of inclusive governance under the leadership of Mayor Yap and Vice Mayor Jala, demonstrating how a government and its citizens can work hand in hand toward a more responsive, participatory, and progressive Tagbilaran City.
City officials and members of the Tagbilaran City People’s Council (TCPC) gather for a photo opportunity during the launch of the CSO Empowerment Week 2025, held at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium on October 20, 2025. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran welcomes new businesses, reinforcing its economic momentum
Tagbilaran City continues to strengthen its position as a growing center for business and investment with the grand opening of several new establishments this October.
These new ventures mark another milestone in the city’s economic progress, showcasing investor confidence and local dynamism under the Yap administration.
Among the highlights is the Back-to-Back DUNKIN Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, featuring the first-ever Drive-Thru Store in Tagbilaran City located at J.S. Torralba corner C. Gallares Street, and a second branch along J.A. Clarin Avenue, beside Holy Name University.
The event was graced by First District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, who represented Mayor Jane Yap during the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, together with city officials and business representatives.
Other newly opened establishments include Five Star Chicken at Graham Avenue, barangay Cogon, Athleticare Sports Performance & PT Clinic at Coneli Building, barangay Booy, Tool Haven along Peñaflor Street, and Goody Box Hobby and Shoe Shop located at the 5th Floor of BQ Mall.
These businesses add vibrancy to the local economy—providing more dining, fitness, retail, and service options for Tagbilaranons while creating local employment opportunities.
In her message delivered through Congressman Yap, Mayor Jane Yap extended her gratitude to the new business owners for choosing Tagbilaran as their home for growth and success. “Every business that opens its doors in our city represents a partnership in progress. The City Government of Tagbilaran remains steadfast in supporting our entrepreneurs by ensuring efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly processes.
Together, we are building a stronger and more dynamic Tagbilaran.”
These developments highlight Tagbilaran City’s continuing commitment to promoting ease of doing business and fostering a climate where private enterprise and public service work hand in hand to drive inclusive economic growth.
Cong. John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II (center), representing Mayor Jane Yap, joins representatives of Athleticare Sports Performance & PT Clinic during its grand opening at Coneli Building, Barangay Booy, Tagbilaran City. (Contributed photo)