BSP Honors Tagbilaran LGU for Financial Education Efforts
The Local Government Unit of Tagbilaran received a Certificate of Recognition from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as a Promising Financial Education Partner.
The award was presented during the 2025 Financial Education Stakeholder’s Congress on November 18, 2025 at the BSP Head Office.
Tagbilaran City is one of only three local government units nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition, highlighting the city’s proactive efforts in promoting financial literacy and responsible money management among its residents.
The award was received by Atty. Thea Ivory Parras, Head of the City Economic Enterprise Department, who led the city’s delegation, accompanied by City Treasurer Hubert Inas and Atty. Louie Vincent Raotraot, Head of the City Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office.
This year’s Congress carried the theme, “The Journey to Financial Success: Financial Learning That Connects, Transforms, and Sustains,” emphasizing the event’s goal of strengthening collaboration, showcasing sectoral milestones, and building innovative solutions for inclusive financial education.
Mayor Jane Yap expressed her gratitude to BSP for the recognition and emphasized the importance of financial literacy for all Tagbilaranons, saying: “We are proud to be recognized as a Promising Financial Education Partner. Financial literacy is key to empowering our citizens, helping them make informed decisions, manage their resources wisely, and achieve greater economic stability for themselves and their families.”
This recognition underscores the city government’s commitment to equipping residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to make sound financial decisions, while strengthening the local economy and promoting inclusive growth.
Tagbilaran City officials proudly display the Certificate of Recognition as a Promising Financial Education Partner awarded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. From left: City Treasurer Hubert Inas, Atty. Thea Ivory Parras, Head of the City Economic Enterprise Department, and Atty. Louie Vincent Raotraot, Head of the City Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran City Empowers Local Communities with Livelihood Grants
The Tagbilaran City Social Development Program marked its Culmination Day on November 17, 2025, at the City Hall Atrium, highlighting the progress of local community organizations and their readiness to manage sustainable enterprises.
The program is implemented by the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) in close partnership with the City Government of Tagbilaran through the Livelihood and Community Development Unit (CLCDU).
The event formalized the awarding of livelihood grants—all in-kind provisions of equipment and materials—to this year’s beneficiaries: the Cogon Women’s Association, Tagbilaran City Garments Manufacturers Association, and J&J Desserts.
These organizations showcased their projects after completing training sessions on financial literacy and enterprise management, facilitated by PSFI, demonstrating strengthened capabilities and readiness to run sustainable businesses.
Among the recipients, Ms. Jenylyn Baldapan, owner of J&J Desserts, received in-kind support for graham bar production, including a refrigerator, mixers, blenders, sealer, and food containers.
Ms. Mary Rose Lumanta, President of the Tagbilaran City Garments Manufacturers Association, received a hemming machine, sublimation fabric, ink, and paper to support sublimation shirt production.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ligaya S. Razo, President of the Cogon Women’s Association, received a peanut grinding machine and an LPG set for peanut butter production.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Eliezer Borja, representing Mayor Jane Yap; Ms. Ynna Lauron-Doblado, Program Manager of PSFI; Ms. Maria Elvy Dominicata, Senior Program Officer of PSFI; Ms. Adelfa Salutan, Head of CLCDU; Mr. Alvin Luis Acuzar, City Administrator; Hon. Gian Carlo Besas, SP Chairperson on Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Livelihood, and Cooperatives; Hon. Gemma Inting, SP Chairperson on Social Services, Urban Poor, Women, Children and Family Relations; Ms. Annadelyn Estoques, Facility Manager of Shell Pilipinas Corporation – Visayas & Palawan; and Engr. Rey Labajo, Shell Tagbilaran Terminal Manager.
Mayor Jane Yap expressed her sincere gratitude to PSFI for providing the in-kind grants, technical assistance, and capacity-building support.
She highlighted the program’s positive impact on the lives of beneficiaries and their families, noting that these tools and resources enable community members to generate sustainable income, enhance their skills, and improve the well-being of Tagbilaranon households.
Now in its fourth year, the program underscores strengthened partnerships, empowered organizations, and renewed commitments to expanding sustainable livelihood opportunities across Tagbilaran City.
Tagbilaran City officials, PSFI representatives, and program beneficiaries smile for a photo op during the awarding of livelihood grants at the City Hall Atrium on November 17, 2025, marking a milestone in empowering local communities (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran City Rolls Out Free Immunization Drive for Students
The City Government of Tagbilaran officially launched its School-Based Immunization Program on November 18, 2025 at the City Hall Atrium with a ceremonial vaccination of selected students.
The activity was led by City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc, Dr. Van Phillip Baton of the Provincial Department of Health Office, and Ms. Machiavillia Caliao of the Provincial Health Office.
The ceremonial vaccination featured the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, Tetanus-Diphtheria (TD) vaccine, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
The HPV vaccine was administered to female Grade 4 students to protect against cervical cancer, while students in Grades 1 and 7 received vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.
The ceremonial event marks the official launch, while actual immunization will be conducted in all public schools across Tagbilaran City in the coming days, ensuring that every eligible student receives proper protection.
The program is a collaborative effort among the City Government of Tagbilaran, Department of Health, Department of Education, and Provincial Government of Bohol, as part of the national initiative to strengthen immunization coverage among children.
Mayor Jane Yap emphasized the critical role of vaccination in protecting children from preventable diseases and in building a healthier future for the community.
She highlighted that the program is not only a major relief for parents, who would otherwise spend up to ₱4,000 per child for the MR and TD vaccines, but also a strategic step in preventing outbreaks of measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and cervical cancer.
She assured parents that all vaccines in public schools are completely free and hassle-free, reinforcing the city’s commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of Tagbilaran’s youth.
The City Government of Tagbilaran encourages parents to ensure their children participate in the program, which is a crucial step in safeguarding their health and securing a stronger, disease-free future for the next generation.
Medical personnel carefully administer a vaccine to a young student during the launch of Tagbilaran City’s School-Based Immunization Program at the City Hall Atrium on November 18, 2025. Dr. Van Phillip Baton of the Provincial DOH Office (right) and the child’s companion witness the moment. (Contributed photo)