Tagbilaran City celebrates Rabies Awareness Month with free pet services and seminar

The City Government of Tagbilaran successfully conducted its Rabies Awareness Month Celebration on March 3, 2026, at the City Hall Grounds, offering free veterinary services and educational activities aimed at promoting rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership in the community.

Hundreds of residents participated in the Free Pet Services Day, bringing their beloved pets to avail themselves of essential veterinary services provided by the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) in coordination with the Animal Bite Treatment Center of Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility.

Dr. Carl Leonard Pradera, OIC of the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office, disclosed that the veterinary teams served a total of 251 clients.

A total of 151 pets received anti-rabies vaccination, 123 pets were microchipped, and 10 pets were dewormed, helping ensure the safety and health of pets and the community.

A very informative lecture/ seminar was also conducted by Dr. Pradera, who discussed important topics including Rabies Awareness and Prevention, the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, Responsible Pet Ownership and the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

The seminar was attended by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), pet owners, and City Hall employees, showing strong community support for the city’s campaign against rabies and its advocacy for responsible pet ownership.

The event also became more meaningful through the partnership with TopBreed, which distributed freebies such as dog food, shampoos, vitamins, and dog treats for participating pets.

Mayor Jane Yap expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported the event and emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting both animals and the community.

“Our pets are part of our families, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are healthy and protected. Through initiatives like this, we continue to promote responsible pet ownership while safeguarding public health. Let us continue working together to keep Tagbilaran rabies-free and more pet-friendly,” Mayor Yap said.

City officials encouraged the public to remain proactive in caring for their animals and to support programs that promote responsible pet ownership.

Furry friends get a dose of love when Tagbilaran residents bring their dogs to the City Hall Grounds in Tagbilaran City to avail themselves of FREE anti-rabies vaccination, microchipping, and deworming services during the Rabies Awareness Month Celebration led by the City Government of Tagbilaran on March 3, 2026. This is because our pets deserve the best! (Contributed photo)

New establishments open in Tagbilaran City, creating jobs and opportunities

The City Government of Tagbilaran continues to strengthen local economic growth as several new business establishments officially opened in the city in recent weeks.

Mayor Jane Yap, Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala and city officials attended a series of ribbon-cutting and opening ceremonies held from late January to February this year, welcoming new enterprises that contribute to the city’s expanding business sector and employment opportunities for residents.

Among the newly opened establishments was the Active Events Office, which held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 26, 2026 at VP Inting Street, Barangay Mansasa.

The new office is expected to provide event planning and coordination services for various occasions in the city.

Earlier in the month, on February 11, 2026, officials also attended the ribbon cutting of Anytime Fitness, located at the Lower Ground Floor of Cyber City along Rajah Sikatuna Avenue.

The international fitness brand now offers Tagbilaran residents access to modern gym facilities and health programs.

Meanwhile, the CEVI Corporate Center celebrated its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 30, 2026 at Espuelas Street, Barangay Cogon.

The center aims to provide business services and office spaces that will support local enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Another significant opening was the AmiraLand Development Corporation office, which held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 17, 2026 at the Ground Floor of JLU Centre Bloc along Rajah Sikatuna Street, barangay Dampas.

The company is known for its real estate developments and housing projects across the region.

In a related development, the first Starbucks in Bohol, located in the former Holy Spirit School building, officially opened on March 5, 2026.

The store offers coffee, pastries, and snacks.

Cong. John Geesnell “Baba” Yap and Mayor Jane Yap attended the opening ceremony.

Mayor Yap highlighted the importance of welcoming new investments in the city, noting that these businesses help boost economic activity and create more opportunities for the local workforce.

“Congratulations to our newly opened business establishments. Your investment and confidence in Tagbilaran City inspire us to continue building a dynamic and business-friendly community,” Mayor Jane said.

Starbucks Tagbilaran Opens!  Officials and representatives gather to mark the occasion, including (L-R) Atty. Adam Relson Jala, Vice Mayor of Tagbilaran City; Cong. John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, Representative of the 1st District of Bohol; and Jane Yap, Mayor of Tagbilaran City, alongside key officials from the City Government of Tagbilaran, Provincial Government of Bohol, and Starbucks team. (Contributed photo)