Mayor Yap rolls out yearlong roadmap to shape Tagbilaran’s future at 60  

Mayor Jane Yap unveiled the Tagbilaran @ 60 Legacy Program, a comprehensive yearlong development roadmap that will serve as the city’s enduring legacy in celebration of its Diamond Jubilee and guide its progress beyond its 60th Charter Anniversary, on July 1, 2026 at the Tagbilaran City Friendship Park.

Presented during the city’s 60th Charter Day celebration, the Legacy Program outlines the initiatives to be implemented from July 2026 to May 2027 under five executive agenda clusters: Social Development, Economic Prosperity, Green Transformation, Smart Infrastructure, and Excellence in Governance.

Mayor Yap said the initiative is intended to ensure that the city’s Diamond Jubilee leaves tangible and lasting benefits for future generations.

“As we celebrate 60 years of cityhood, we are not only honoring our history but also laying the foundation for the future. Our goal is to build stronger families, a more resilient economy, greener communities, modern infrastructure, and a government that continues to deliver responsive and people-centered services,” Yap said.

Under the Social Development agenda, the city will implement programs focused on family welfare, youth leadership, health and wellness, education, social protection, culture, and gender-responsive governance.

Planned activities include a citywide psychosocial assessment, expanded support for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, leadership development for the youth, and heritage preservation initiatives.

The Economic Prosperity agenda seeks to strengthen Tagbilaran’s position as a regional investment and business hub through investor engagement, tourism development, entrepreneurship programs, livelihood assistance, and workforce development.

It also includes the establishment of an MSME and Creative Industries Hub and continued investment promotion activities.

Environmental sustainability forms another key pillar of the roadmap.

The Green Transformation agenda includes the city’s “60 Years, 60,000 Trees and Mangroves for the Future” campaign, expanded disaster preparedness programs, waste management initiatives, and projects promoting walkable and environmentally sustainable communities.

Meanwhile, the Smart Infrastructure agenda outlines the construction of new classrooms, expansion of smart street lighting and CCTV systems, development of recreational facilities, the establishment of the City Public Library, and the completion of housing and public facility projects.

To complement these initiatives, the Excellence in Governance agenda focuses on digital transformation, transparency, citizen participation, employee development, ISO quality management, and the continued expansion of digital public services, including the Tagbilaran Cityzens ID System.

The Legacy Program represents Tagbilaran’s commitment to institutionalizing reforms and ensuring that the city’s 60th Charter Anniversary becomes a springboard for long-term, inclusive, and sustainable development rather than a one-time celebration.

Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala (left), Mayor Jane Yap (center), and a City Government employee (right) hold mangrove seedlings at the Tagbilaran @ 60 Legacy Program unveiling on July 1, 2026, at Tagbilaran City Friendship Park. (Contributed photo)

Tagbilaran City opens Disaster Resilience Month with programs to build safer communities

The City Government of Tagbilaran formally launched the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2026 on July 3,2026 with a kickoff ceremony at the City Hall Atrium, reaffirming the city’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and community resilience.

This year’s observance carries the national theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighting the importance of proactive action and collective responsibility in reducing disaster risks and building resilient communities.

The month-long celebration is spearheaded by the Tagbilaran City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) headed by Gerard Lavadia in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and various government agencies and stakeholders.

Mayor Jane Yap said disaster resilience has remained one of the city’s governance priorities, emphasizing that preparedness begins long before disasters occur.

“Resilience is built through preparation, education, and strong partnerships.
We continue to invest in programs that equip our communities with the knowledge and capabilities needed to protect lives, livelihoods, and property,” Mayor Yap said.

She added that the city government remains committed to strengthening disaster risk reduction initiatives as part of its vision of creating a highly urbanized, resilient, and livable Tagbilaran.

The observance features activities throughout July
which include a kickoff motorcade, Digital Art Contest, Video Production Contest, BiDA Barangay 2026, an Anticipatory Action Learning Forum, a Disaster Preparedness Exhibit, and a Culmination and Awarding Program.

The BiDA Barangay 2026 Awards is a recognition program that honors barangays demonstrating exemplary disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) practices.

According to the CDRRMO, the activities aim to increase public awareness on disaster risk reduction while encouraging schools, barangays, youth organizations, and partner agencies to actively participate in building safer and more resilient communities.

Tagbilaran City launched National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2026 on July 3, 2026 with the theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas.” The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will lead July activities on preparedness, risk reduction, and resilience for every Tagbilaranon. (Contributed photo)