Tagbilaran City recognized for strong Anti-Trafficking Efforts, gets Highly Functional Rating
The City Government of Tagbilaran has been recognized for its strong performance in protecting women and children after being rated Highly Functional in the FY 2025 Local Council Against Trafficking–Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC) Functionality Assessment.
The recognition was disclosed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Bohol Province in a Facebook post dated February 5, 2026, citing Tagbilaran City as among the local government units that demonstrated effective and responsive mechanisms against trafficking in persons and violence against women and children.
According to DILG-Bohol, the Province of Bohol recorded an overall strong performance in the FY 2025 assessment along with other LGUs in Bohol.
The assessment evaluated LGUs based on key indicators, including organization, regularity of meetings, policies, plans and budget allocation, and accomplishments, which collectively measure the capacity of local councils to prevent, respond to, and address cases of trafficking in persons and violence against women and children.
Mayor Jane Yap welcomed the recognition, describing it as a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable sectors.
“This recognition affirms our dedication to protecting women and children through responsive programs, strong inter-agency coordination, and community-based interventions.
We will continue to strengthen our policies and services to ensure a safe and supportive environment for every Tagbilaranon,” Mayor Yap said.
The recognition underscores Tagbilaran City’s continued commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare, and protection of women and children, as well as its alignment with national policies aimed at promoting gender-responsive and rights-based local governance.
A post of congratulations from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Bohol Province, recognizing Tagbilaran City and other municipalities in the province for earning a Highly Functional rating in the FY 2025 Local Council Against Trafficking–Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC) Functionality Assessment. This recognition highlights the LGUs’ strong commitment to protecting women and children. (Photo credit: DILG-R7 Bohol Province Facebook page)
Tagbilaran City strengthens a safer workplace as it boosts gender sensitivity and PSEA
In line with national mandates under the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and the local government’s commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and violence-free society, the City Government of Tagbilaran conducted a “Gender Sensitivity and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Seminar-Workshop” for selected city employees and Civil Society Organization (CSO) representatives on February 4–5, 2026, at JJ’s Seafood Village.
The two-day capacity-building activity was made possible through the support and funding of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and forms part of the Yap-Jala Administration’s continuing efforts to mainstream gender in governance and promote respectful, equitable, and productive workplaces.
Recognizing that gender sensitivity fosters inclusive environments and that strong safeguarding mechanisms protect vulnerable groups, the training aimed to strengthen accountability and institutional responsibility within the local government.
It equipped participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to integrate gender responsiveness and protection principles into their daily operations and public service delivery.
The seminar-workshop was facilitated by Rabia Mustapha, who led in-depth discussions on gender issues, workplace ethics, power relations, and policies on preventing, reporting, and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse.
Interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions enabled participants to better understand gender stereotypes, discrimination, and appropriate gender-sensitive approaches in the workplace.
Participants from various city departments, offices, and partner CSOs actively engaged in the sessions, reflecting the administration’s strong commitment to strengthening a culture of respect, professionalism, and zero tolerance for abuse and harassment across both government and civil society sectors.
City officials emphasized that the activity supports the administration’s vision of building institutions that uphold dignity, equality, and public trust.
By enhancing the capacities of public servants and community partners, the city seeks to ensure that government services remain accessible, responsive, and protective of all constituents, particularly women, children, and other vulnerable sectors.
The training also encouraged participants to develop personal and office-level action plans that promote gender equity and reinforce safeguards against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), further institutionalizing gender-responsive governance in the city.
With the successful conduct of the seminar-workshop, the City Government of Tagbilaran, together with CRS, CSO partners, and other development stakeholders, continues to advance its mission of promoting good governance, social justice, and a culture of respect—laying the foundation for a safer, more inclusive, and empowered Tagbilaranon community.
The City Government of Tagbilaran team and CSO representatives vibe together as they share insights in building a safer, more inclusive workplace at the Gender Sensitivity and PSEA Seminar-Workshop (Feb 4-5, 2026) at JJ’s Seafood Village (Contributed photo)