Saulog Bazaar draws ₱11.7M in sales over 25 days in Tagbilaran
The Saulog Tagbo sa Tagbi Food and Good Bazaar generated strong economic gains, recording total sales of ₱11,699,241 over 25 days from April 8 to May 2, 2026, reflecting the expanding economic footprint of the Saulog Festival in Tagbilaran City.
Atty. Vincent Louie Raotraot, head of the City Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (CEDIPO), reported that the bazaar posted an average daily sales of approximately ₱468,000, with peak daily earnings reaching ₱556,000.
He said the sustained consumer activity throughout the festival period demonstrates strong local and visitor spending.
The bazaar featured 62 food concessionaires and 13 non-food concessionaires, all of whom benefited from consistent foot traffic and heightened economic activity during the celebration.
In addition to this, significant sales surges were also recorded during major festival highlights.
During the Saulog Street Dancing and Ritual Showdown on April 26, 2026, 20 concessionaires at the CPG Sports Complex collectively earned ₱161,580.
Meanwhile, the Saulog Festival King and Queen event on April 22, 2026 generated nearly ₱100,000 in sales in a single evening from 15 concessionaires.
Mayor Jane Yap said the strong economic performance of the bazaar reflects the city’s growing success in leveraging cultural celebrations for inclusive development.
“Saulog continues to create meaningful economic opportunities not only for our local vendors, but also for families and workers across tourism and transport sectors who directly benefit from increased activity in the city,” she said.
The City Government of Tagbilaran highlighted that the bazaar’s performance demonstrates how Saulog Tagbilaran has evolved into a multi-sector economic driver, generating income opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs while simultaneously stimulating transport, hospitality, and tourism-related businesses.
A food concessionaire interacts with customers at the Saulog Tagbo sa Tagbi Food and Good Bazaar, helping drive the ₱11.7 million in total sales posted over the 25-day celebration, highlighting the strong economic activity brought by the Saulog Festival in Tagbilaran City. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran’s “Libreng Sakay” serves 76,965 riders with ₱1.38M in aid for drivers
The City Government of Tagbilaran reported a strong impact from its “Libreng Sakay” program, which served thousands of residents from April 13 to May 8, 2026, as part of a broader effort to cushion the effects of rising fuel and food prices.
Data from the city showed that 76,965 passengers benefited from the initiative, with 4,526 trips completed during the period.
A total of ₱1,381,970 was disbursed to support participating drivers, ensuring the continued operation of free transportation services across the city.
City officials emphasized that the Libreng Sakay program is a component of the ₱40.35-million Energy Crisis Social Protection Package of the local government, designed to help residents cope with increasing living costs.
The initiative serves as the city’s direct response to the growing financial strain on families and key livelihood sectors.
Beyond free transportation, the comprehensive assistance package includes a ₱1,000 food voucher for every registered household, as well as a ₱2,000 fuel subsidy for tricycle drivers and fisherfolk.
These measures aim to provide immediate relief while supporting essential sectors that keep the local economy moving.
The Libreng Sakay service continues to operate Monday to Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on a first come, first served basis.
Routes cover Mansasa–Bool, Habitat–Bool, Booy–Taloto–Ubujan Coastal Road, San Isidro–Cabawan Centro, Dao, Lindaville, Manga, Peñaflor, and Tiptip, all departing from City Square.
An additional route caters specifically to Tagbilaran City College (TCC) students, servicing trips between the campus and B. Inting corner Jacinto Street.
Mayor Jane Yap underscored the importance of the initiative, highlighting its dual benefit to both commuters and drivers.
“We recognize the daily challenges faced by our families and transport workers, especially with the continued rise in fuel and food prices. Through our Libreng Sakay program and the broader Energy Crisis Social Protection Package, we aim to ease their burden and ensure that no Tagbilaranon is left behind. This is our commitment to provide meaningful and responsive support to our community,” Mayor Yap said.
The City Government of Tagbilaran reaffirms its dedication to sustaining initiatives like Libreng Sakay and other support programs to protect the welfare of Tagbilaranons and help communities navigate ongoing economic pressures.
The City Government of Tagbilaran’s Strategic Communications Office releases an infographic on the “Libreng Sakay” program covering April 13 to May 5, 2026, indicating 67,125 passengers assisted in 3,937 completed trips, with ₱1,201,430 allocated to support participating drivers as part of the city’s social protection efforts. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran city recognized anew for fully immunized children program in 2025
The City Government of Tagbilaran has once again been recognized for its strong public health performance, ranking Top 4 among Local Government Units (LGUs) in Region VII in the 2025 Fully Immunized Children (FIC) coverage under the National Immunization Program (NIP), Big Population Category (100,000 and above).
The recognition was conferred during the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Immunization Assembly held on April 30, 2026, at Bai Hotel Cebu in Mandaue City.
This milestone marks Tagbilaran City’s sixth consecutive year of placing within the Top 5 performing LGUs in the same category, underscoring its sustained commitment to strengthening routine immunization and child health services.
The award was received on behalf of the city by Bichri Leopando, FHSIS Nurse Coordinator, and Concepcion Arboleras, NIP Coordinator.
The achievement is credited to the continued implementation of community-based health initiatives, strengthened vaccination campaigns, and the active participation of barangay health workers in ensuring that children complete their required immunization schedule.
Mayor Jane Yap, in a statement, lauded the recognition as a reflection of the city’s consistent public health efforts.
She emphasized that protecting children through immunization remains a cornerstone of Tagbilaran’s health agenda.
“This recognition affirms our commitment to ensure that every child in Tagbilaran is protected and given the best start in life through accessible and reliable health services,” Mayor Yap said.
She also expressed gratitude to health workers, barangay officials, and partner agencies for their dedication in sustaining the city’s immunization program.
Tagbilaran’s consistent top performance demonstrates strong local health system delivery and effective community outreach, ensuring high immunization coverage.
During the Regional Immunization Assembly held on April 30, 2026, at Bai Hotel Cebu in Mandaue City, Bichri Leopando (center), FHSIS Nurse Coordinator of the City Government of Tagbilaran, received the plaque of recognition from the Department of Health officials. The recognition comes as the city placed Top 4 in Region VII for its 2025 Fully Immunized Children coverage under the National Immunization Program. (Contributed photo)