Tagbilaran reviews heritage law to safeguard culture amid city growth
The City Government of Tagbilaran is moving to strengthen its cultural preservation framework following a two-day workshop that reviewed and proposed amendments to the city’s Heritage Conservation Ordinance.
Held on June 2–3, 2026 at JJ’s Seafood and Restaurant, the workshop revisited city Ordinance No. C-256 (2017) to address emerging conservation challenges and align local policy with updated national heritage laws.
The initiative was led by the City Tourism Office headed by Joseph Alexis Cadeliña and brought together local officials, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, cultural workers, and heritage advocates from both the provincial and national levels.
Representatives from the National Museum of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the People’s Council also participated in the policy review process.
Dr. Rosalinda Paredes and Marietta Gasatan facilitated the sessions, with resource persons Loucille Alcala-Dabhi and Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Lynneth Ibba providing technical inputs.
Central to the discussions was the alignment of the local ordinance with Republic Act No. 10066 (National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009) and Republic Act No. 11961 (Cultural Mapping Act of 2023), particularly provisions requiring local government units to undertake systematic cultural mapping and documentation of heritage assets.
Officials said the proposed revisions aim to enhance the city’s capacity to identify, document, protect, and promote cultural and historical sites amid ongoing urban development pressures.
Mayor Jane Yap emphasized the importance of integrating heritage preservation into the city’s broader development agenda.
“Our heritage is an important part of our identity as Tagbilaranons.
Strengthening our heritage conservation policies ensures that future generations will continue to appreciate the stories, traditions, and landmarks that shaped our city,” Yap said.
She added that heritage conservation remains closely linked to sustainable tourism, education, and community identity, noting its role in reinforcing local pride and economic development.
The draft amendments will undergo further refinement by the Sangguniang Panlungsod before being presented for public consultation.
The city government is targeting completion of the revised ordinance draft by July, with possible enactment by August.
Once approved, the updated ordinance is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for safeguarding Tagbilaran City’s cultural heritage while encouraging broader community participation in preservation efforts.
City Tourism Officer Joseph Alexis Cadeliña (center, standing) leads stakeholders from the local government, cultural sector, and partner institutions in discussions during the two-day review workshop of the Heritage Conservation Ordinance at JJ’s Seafood and Restaurant on June 2–3, 2026, as part of the City Government of Tagbilaran’s efforts to strengthen heritage preservation policies.(Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran launches dengue drive, urges barangays to follow 5S strategy
The City Government of Tagbilaran officially launched the observance of Dengue Awareness Month on June 2, 2026, with a dengue awareness program and motorcade that traversed the city’s major streets, promoting public awareness and encouraging community participation in dengue prevention and control efforts.
The activity was attended by barangay captains, health committee chairpersons, kagawads, and healthcare personnel from all 15 barangays, reflecting the city’s collective commitment to safeguarding communities from dengue through education, vigilance, and coordinated action.
Following the motorcade, a short program was held at the City Hall Atrium.
City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc welcomed participants and thanked the barangay officials and health personnel for their continued commitment to implementing dengue prevention measures in their respective communities.
During the program, Mr. Robin Culpa, Nurse Supervisor of the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility, emphasized the importance of the Department of Health’s Dengue 5S Strategy.
The strategy encourages communities to Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites, practice Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation for suspected dengue symptoms, Support Fogging only during outbreaks, and Sustain Hydration for those affected by the disease.
Meanwhile, Mr. Cristopher Sergito Uy, Tagbilaran City Dengue Program Coordinator, presented updates on vector bionomics and the city’s current dengue situation.
He also underscored the critical role of the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) Task Force in strengthening grassroots-based dengue prevention and response initiatives.
In her message, Mayor Jane Yap called on all residents to take an active role in keeping their homes and barangays free from mosquito breeding sites.
She emphasized that preventing dengue is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of every household, barangay, and sector of society.
The City Government of Tagbilaran expressed optimism that sustained community engagement and strengthened barangay-level interventions will contribute to reducing dengue cases and protecting public health throughout the year.
Employees of the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility gather with barangay officials and health personnel for a group photo at the City Hall Atrium alongside City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc (center), following the Dengue Awareness Month launch on June 2, 2026, to highlight the city’s collective commitment to strengthen community-based dengue prevention and control efforts. (Contributed photo)