Saulog Tagbo sa Tagbi Bazaar kicks off in Tagbilaran, supports SMEs

By GLORIA LEODIVICA INES ARANETA

The Tagbilaran City government formally opened the “Saulog Tagbo sa Tagbi – Food and Goods Bazaar” on April 8, 2026, marking one of the key events in this year’s city celebration and drawing strong participation from local entrepreneurs.

The ceremonial opening, held at the City Hall grounds, was led by Mayor Jane Yap, Bohol First District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, alongside Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and city department heads.

The bazaar is open daily from 5:00 P.M. to 12:00 midnight and will run until May 8, providing a month-long platform for local vendors to showcase food, products, and services.

City officials said the event is designed to strengthen local economic activity, particularly by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tagbilaran.

Mayor Yap emphasized the importance of the initiative in creating opportunities for local businesses.

“Through this activity, we aim to strengthen our local enterprises and provide opportunities for our small and medium entrepreneurs,” she said.

She also encouraged residents and visitors to take part in the event and support local vendors.

“We invite everyone to come and experience the bazaar. Let us support our local businesses and entrepreneurs who are at the heart of Tagbilaran’s economy,” Yap added.

As part of the festivities, the city also announced a major highlight event, the “DU EK SAM x Honda Night,” scheduled on May 1, which will feature performances by Maki and the band Silent Sanctuary.

Mayor Yap expressed gratitude to private sector partners who helped make the event possible, noting that their support allowed the city to mount the celebration without direct cost to the local government.

“Because of our private sector partners, this celebration was made possible without expense to the city, while still boosting our local economy_ especially our SMEs, businesses, and even the transport sector,” she said.

The mayor added that the annual celebration goes beyond festivity, underscoring collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The Saulog Tagbo sa Tagbi bazaar is expected to draw residents and visitors in the coming weeks, contributing to increased economic activity in the city during the celebration period.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap samples a local treat at the “Saulog Tagbo sa Tagbi – Food and Goods Bazaar” opening on April 8, 2026, at the City Hall grounds. (Contributed photo)

Tagbilaran City recognized for health program excellence at Bohol-wide congress

Tagbilaran City has been recognized for excellence in community health after receiving the Plaque of Recognition for Best Health Promotion Practice during the Health Promotion Congress for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of Bohol Province on April 8, 2026.

The award was conferred at the Bohol Cultural Center, with Tagbilaran named the lone recipient for its initiatives under the “Fit for Life” and Diabetes Clinic Program.

City officials said the recognition highlights the local government’s efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and address non-communicable diseases at the community level.

Robin Culpa, the city’s BHW coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the Tagbilaran City government and Mayor Jane Yap.

In a statement, Mayor Yap expressed gratitude to the city’s health workers and partners who contributed to the program’s success.

“This recognition belongs to our dedicated barangay health workers and our health team who continue to serve our communities,” Yap said.

She also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Jeia Pondoc, employees of the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility and the barangay health workers across the city for their role in implementing the programs.

The Fit for Life initiative and Diabetes Clinic Program focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, early detection, and proper management of diabetes and other lifestyle-related conditions.

Health officials noted that the programs have strengthened grassroots-level health promotion, with BHWs playing a key role in education, monitoring, and community engagement.

The award also underscores Tagbilaran’s growing reputation for innovative and community-driven healthcare programs, particularly in addressing chronic diseases at the barangay level.

Mr. Robin Culpa, representative of the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility (6th from left), joins dignitaries and barangay health workers in celebrating Tagbilaran City’s recognition for Best Health Promotion Practice for its “Fit for Life” and Diabetes Clinic Program at the Bohol Cultural Center on April 8, 2026. (Contributed photo)

Saulog Leadership Camp Concludes with Pledge for Community Action

Youth leaders from 15 barangays wrapped up the 3rd Saulog Leadership Camp today after concluding a four-day summit held on April 9–12, 2026 organized by the City Government of Tagbilaran through the Tagbilaran City Youth Development Office.

The camp assembled student officers, barangay youth volunteers and civic-minded students for plenaries, panel discussions and hands-on workshops.

Organizers said the program sought not only to teach leadership theory but to convert learning into practical initiatives that can be implemented across Tagbilaran’s communities.
“This camp is an opportunity to strengthen our future leaders,” Mayor Jane Yap told participants during the event.

“We hope you bring these lessons home and turn them into concrete projects for your barangays.”

The camp’s resource persons covered leadership, mental health, environmental protection and organizational management.

Plenary speakers included:
William M. Aranilla, LPT, MA Eng — “Youth for Transformational Leadership”;
Florencio Salvo, LPT, MPA — “Student Government: Creating Impactful Academic and Extra-Curricular Activities”;
Marysol O. Perocho — “Maximizing Organizational Finances”;
Frence M. Boiser — “Motivational Listening for Youth Leaders”;
Loucille Alcala Dabhi — “Understanding Positive Youth Development”; Florabel Ribay — “Personal Development for Youth Leaders”;
Engr. Raul T. Aparicio II— “Youth in Action for Environmental Protection”;
Karina Mae Uy-Bucoy, RGC, PhD, RPsy — “Positive Mental Health for the Youth”;
Rosemarie Bantol (TESDA) – “TESDA for All”; Elizabeth Rosil (DepEd-ALS) – “DepEd ALS Program and Community Engagement”;
– Blair Panong (DTI) -“DTI for Youth Trainings and Programs.”

In his closing remarks, Marbert Remolador, head of the City Youth Development Office, praised the participants and laid out the city’s commitment to turn camp ideas into action: “Today we have seen the best of our youth — their creativity, discipline and willingness to serve. The Saulog Leadership Camp is not an end in itself but the start of sustained barangay-led action. The City Youth Development Office will mentor and link you with technical partners and funding agencies.”

William M. Aranilla (holding the microphone) inspires young leaders at the 3rd Saulog Leadership Camp with his session, “Youth for Transformational Leadership,” on April 9–12, 2026. (Contributed photo)