Tagbilaran City Welcomes Christmas with Pasko sa Tagbilaran Lighting Ceremony and Bazaar
The City Government of Tagbilaran will officially welcome the Christmas season with the annual “Pasko sa Tagbilaran” Christmas Lighting Ceremony and the opening of the Tagbilaran Christmas Bazaar on December 8, 2025, at the City Hall grounds.
The event will mark the beginning of the city’s most festive month, embracing themes of family, faith, and community—values deeply cherished in the City of Peace and Friendship.
Led by Mayor Jane Yap, Vice Mayor Adam Jala, Congressman Baba Yap, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and city department heads, the ceremony is expected to draw families and visitors who will gather to witness one of the most anticipated holiday traditions in Tagbilaran.
The highlight of the celebration will be the blessing of the nativity scene and the illumination of the City Hall building, the musical dancing fountain, and the lighting of the City Hall park and grounds.
Main thoroughfares across Tagbilaran will also be adorned with colorful lanterns and bright Christmas installations, creating a citywide spectacle that will radiate the joy and warmth of the season.
Further adding to the festive atmosphere will be the opening of the Tagbilaran City Christmas Bazaar, which will feature food stalls, hot meals, handcrafted goods, and upcycled products.
The bazaar will highlight the creativity and livelihood efforts of local artisans, women’s associations, and beneficiaries under the Tagbilaran City Livelihood and Community Development Unit, providing them a valuable platform during the holiday season.
During the event, the City Government will also present Plaques of Appreciation to its private partners and sponsors who helped install the Christmas lights and decorations in the City Hall grounds.
With the Christmas season set to officially begin, Tagbilaran City will once again stand as a vibrant and inviting holiday destination, ready to offer a heartwarming and joyful experience to residents and visitors alike.
The countdown to Christmas begins! Workers put the finishing touches on the holiday lights and decorations at the City Hall grounds in preparation for the Pasko sa Tagbilaran Lighting Ceremony on December 8, 2025. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran City boosts business growth with 10th Business Forum
The City Government of Tagbilaran, in partnership with the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), marked another milestone in its economic development efforts as it hosted the 10th Business Forum on November 28, 2025 at Jjs Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City.
This year’s forum was attended by business owners, accounting and auditing firms, bookkeepers, and enterprises regulated by the Optical Media Board.
Organizers said this broad representation ensures that discussions remain relevant and aligned with the real concerns of the business sector.
This year’s forum featured a strong lineup of national agencies and private sector partners, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Optical Media Board (OMB), and GCash.
Representatives delivered updates on regulatory policies, compliance requirements, and emerging initiatives that affect micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Digital financial service provider GCash likewise presented its latest innovations aimed at improving business transactions, including the GCash Business Wallet and SoundPay, a QR-based payment system that offers real-time audio confirmation for added convenience and security.
Local government offices also shared key updates in preparation for the 2026 business permit renewal cycle.
The Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) head Ms. Mary Christine Bitoy-Montalban, City Treasurer Hubert Inas and City Health Office (CHO) representatives detailed enhancements to city processes, which include simplified documentary requirements.
New business applicants will now need only three basic documents—DTI/SEC/CDA accreditation, an occupancy or lessor’s permit, and a Real Property Tax (RPT) clearance—while renewal applicants will only be required to submit an updated RPT clearance.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) announced that payments for the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) will now be collected separately, although its services will remain co-located within the One-Stop Shop to ensure convenience.
The city also informed participants of the updated rates under the newly enacted Revised Revenue Code of Tagbilaran City, which standardizes local revenue measures iand supports the administration’s fiscal sustainability goals.
To ease congestion during peak months, business owners were encouraged to maximize online applications and payment channels, a system that has steadily improved processing efficiency in recent years.
Marking a decade of sustained partnership, the Business Forum continues to serve as one of Tagbilaran City’s cornerstone initiatives in promoting good economic governance and strong private–public collaboration.
Mayor Yap expressed her appreciation to BCCI and the business community for their support and engagement, emphasizing that the city government remains committed to strengthening local enterprises, supporting innovation, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
