Leadership and advocacy take center stage as 15 vie for Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2026  

Fifteen outstanding young women representing the city’s barangays will compete for the coveted Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2026 crown during the grand coronation night on June 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium.  

The pageant is one of the major highlights of Saulog Tagbilaran 2026, showcasing not only beauty and talent but also leadership, advocacy, and community involvement among Tagbilaran’s young women.  

Competing for this year’s title are: Zia Angela Mondilla – Mutya sa Bool; Kathline Siason – Mutya sa Booy; Shoshana B. Lefler – Mutya sa Cabawan;  Larsine Grace O. Jensen – Mutya sa Cogon; Channah Shanayd G. Sadler – Mutya sa Dampas;  Nikah Isabelle Bagsac – Mutya sa Dao;  Candy Rose C. Anderson – Mutya sa Manga; Angel Laurienne Pearson – Mutya sa Mansasa;  Jhea Marie C. Dupalco – Mutya sa Poblacion I;  

Shian Angelikha Daniel Bajao – Mutya sa Poblacion II; Maureen A. Macalam – Mutya sa Poblacion III;  Ella Rheane C. Dano – Mutya sa San Isidro; Irish Niña A. Madayag – Mutya sa Taloto;  Gracelle Gwen G. Uli – Mutya sa Tiptip;  Anna Mae Via T. Amba – Mutya sa Ubujan.

Mayor Jane Yap said the pageant reflects the city’s commitment to empowering women and recognizing their vital role in Community-building and nation-building.  

“Mutya sa Tagbilaran is more than a pageant, it serves as a platform for young women to champion advocacies and become role models in their own barangays,” Mayor Yap said.  

Beyond the coronation night, the candidates participated in a series of pre-pageant activities designed to showcase their talents, intellect, and advocacies.  

The Advocacy Competition was held on June 15, followed by the Talent Night on June 22, and the Closed-Door Interview and Swimsuit Competition on June 24.  

Organizers said the candidates will be evaluated not only on poise and stage presence but also on their commitment to advocacies promoting community development, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and civic engagement.  

Winners will receive cash prizes, corporate awards from sponsors, and the opportunity to serve as ambassadors of goodwill for Tagbilaran City throughout their reign.  

The City Government of Tagbilaran is grateful to Saulog Tagbilaran 2026 Co-Presentors: T3CK, Gaprotec Security Inc., Copier Source Enterprises, Du Ek Sam/DES Marketing, Bohol Tropics Resort, Converge Fiber X, Alturas Group of Companies and Talk N Text-PLDT.  

The Saulog 2026 Platinum Sponsors are LABB Solar Energy, Atlantic Erectors Engineering and Construction, Bohol Quality Corporation, Nodal Electric Trade and Services, Mega Speed ICT Solutions, Inc., Val Anthony Construction, C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions, Weld Powertools and Construction Corporation, Ibex, Bohol Light Company Inc., Lite Shipping Corporation and EC Solicon Builders & Supply, Inc.  

The Diamond Sponsors are Byro Pharma Corporation, Panalay Tailoring, Globe, Fortune Real Properties, AH Shopper’s Mart, First Consolidated Bank, Sagility, Autokid, Truck Solutions, Balai La Niña Beach Resort, TWD Trading Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Bohol Water Utilities, Inc., SPC Island Power Corporation, Nature’s Spring, South Tiger Trucks and Heavy Equipment Supply, Southern Star Bus Transit, Inc., Grab, CCM Construction, C Jansen Construction and General Merchandise, Helm Construction and Supply, YS Construction.  

We are also thankful to our media partners- The Bohol Tribune, The Bohol Chronicle, Bohol Times, Bohol Balita Daily News, Bohol News Today, Bohol Island News, CDN Digital, DYRD, DYTR, Kiss 102.3 FM, 91.1 Balita FM, Bee FM 92.7.

Mayor Jane Yap speaks at Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2026 Talent Night, calling the pageant a platform that empowers young Tagbilaranon women to be advocates, leaders, and role models in their communities. (Contributed photo)

Tagbilaran renews anti-drug pledge while recognizing barangays for drug-cleared status  

The City Government of Tagbilaran reaffirmed its commitment to a drug-free and safe community as it led the observance of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) on June 26, 2026 at the City Hall Atrium.  

The event started with a motorcade participated in by partner agencies, barangays, and various stakeholders, highlighting the city’s continuing campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of illegal drugs and the importance of community participation in prevention efforts.  

The program featured messages of support from government officials, including City Mayor Jane Yap represented by City Councilor Fausto Budlong,  chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Peace and Order, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Johnjoan Mende, who emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, communities and families in addressing drug-related concerns.

A community safety and drug prevention forum followed, with discussions led by Dr. Victor Allan Torrefranca, Head of the Center for Drug Education and Counselling (CEDEC); PLT Marigay Orapa of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, representing Tagbilaran Chief of Police PLTCOL Joey Bicoy; IA Jordan Lunesa of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA); and City Prosecutor Atty. Julius Cesar.

The forum provided participants with updates on prevention and intervention programs, local anti-drug initiatives, law enforcement strategies, and legal measures aimed at preventing drug abuse and trafficking.  

Also present during the observance were Chief Probation and Parole Officer Cirilo Maramba Jr. of the Tagbilaran City Parole and Probation Office and F/Supt. Angelie Salva of the Bureau of Fire and Protection as well as representatives from various agencies supporting the city’s anti-drug campaign.

The program also highlighted the importance of treatment, recovery, and reintegration services through presentations from representatives of the Department of Health and partner organizations involved in rehabilitation and support programs.  

One of the major highlights of the event was the recognition of Barangay San Isidro and Barangay Cabawan, which were formally awarded as drug-cleared barangays for successfully meeting national standards in the fight against illegal drugs.  

Mayor Yap lauded the efforts of the barangay officials, law enforcement agencies, community volunteers, and residents who contributed to achieving the drug-cleared status.  

“The recognition of our drug-cleared barangays demonstrates that community-based action, strong leadership, and active citizen participation can make a significant difference in creating safer neighborhoods,” Mayor Yap said.  

She continued by saying: “Our goal is not only to combat illegal drugs but also to build communities where families can thrive in peace, safety, and dignity.”  

The observance concluded with a Unified Commitment and Action Pledge Signing, during which participants renewed their commitment to support anti-drug programs and strengthen partnerships in promoting community safety and well-being.  

The activity reinforced the city government’s program in raising public awareness, recognizing local achievements, and mobilizing collective action toward a drug-free, peaceful, and resilient community.

City Councilor Fausto Budlong, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Peace and Order, delivers Mayor Jane Yap’s message during the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) at Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium on June 26, 2026. (Contributed photo)

Tagbilaran City and CRS Philippines equip LGU staff with tools for survivor-centered safeguarding

Local government personnel and stakeholders completed a two-day capacity-building workshop on Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse (PSHEA) conducted by the City Government of Tagbilaran in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Philippines at Metro Center Hotel, Tagbilaran City on June 18-19, 2026.  

The workshop reinforced safeguarding mechanisms within local government operations and strengthened efforts to ensure that public services are delivered in environments that are safe, respectful, and free from abuse and exploitation.  

The activity served as a follow-through to the initial PSHEA and Safeguarding Training conducted in February 2026.  

Organizers said the training was designed to address practical challenges encountered by participants in implementing safeguarding standards within their respective offices and programs.  

A major component of the training focused on strengthening participants’ ability to respond appropriately to disclosures of abuse and harassment using survivor-centered approaches.  

Through simulations and role-playing exercises, participants demonstrated proper reporting, referral, and response procedures designed to protect victims and uphold their rights and dignity.  

The workshop also included collaborative sessions where participants developed draft communication materials, including key messages and information campaigns aimed at raising awareness of safeguarding principles within communities and government offices.  

Mayor Jane Yap welcomed the initiative and underscored the importance of safeguarding in public service.  

“Creating safe spaces within our institutions and barangays is a responsibility we all share.  
This training strengthened our capacity to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that government services are delivered with professionalism, accountability, and respect for human dignity,” Mayor Yap said.  

She added that promoting a culture of protection and accountability remains essential in building public trust and ensuring that local government programs remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of all sectors.  

The workshop formed part of continuing efforts to institutionalize safeguarding policies, strengthen ethical governance, and promote a culture of protection across local government systems and partner organizations.

Mayor Jane Yap poses with participants and resource persons after the two-day Protection from PSEA and Safeguarding Workshop by the City Government of Tagbilaran with CRS Philippines at Metro Centre Hotel, Tagbilaran on June 18–19, 2026. (Contributed photo)