Tagbilaran gets top DOE grade for energy efficiency
The City Government of Tagbilaran has been recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) with a 5-Star Rating (Grade A).
The award was for exemplary implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) under Republic Act No. 11285, otherwise known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2019.
The recognition came after a comprehensive energy audit conducted by the DOE assessment team on July 14, 2026.
The City obtained an impressive 96 out of 100 points, placing it in the highest rating category of 5 Stars (Grade A).
CGSO Head Chris John Rener Torralba, Ph.D., received the official Energy Audit Rating on behalf of the City Government.
He emphasized that the recognition reflects the collective efforts of various city offices in promoting energy efficiency and responsible management of government resources.
Leading the compliance initiative was the City General Services Office (CGSO).
The CGSO prepared the documentary requirements for the assessment with the support of the different departments and offices of the City Government.
Their faithful implementation of fuel and electricity-saving measures played a significant role in achieving the top rating.
Mayor Jane Yap welcomed the recognition, saying it affirms the City’s commitment to sustainable governance and environmental stewardship.
“This recognition is a testament to what we can accomplish when every office works together toward a common goal.”
“We remain committed to promoting energy efficiency, responsible resource management, and sustainable governance for the benefit of every Tagbilaranon,” Mayor Yap said.
This is not the first time Tagbilaran City has received national recognition for its energy management initiatives.
In 2022, the City likewise received a 5-Star Rating during the Government Energy Audit conducted jointly by the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), DOE, and the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VII (DOST VII).
The latest recognition further affirms the City’s consistent commitment to implementing energy-efficient policies and responsible management of government resources.
City General Services Office (CGSO) Head Dr. Chris John Rener Torralba (holding the paper, right side) displays Tagbilaran City’s 5-Star (Grade A) Energy Audit Rating Certificate with the Department of Energy (DOE) team and City Government personnel on July 14, 2026. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran and Law Center team up to expand legal aid
The City Government of Tagbilaran and Law Center, Inc. formalized a partnership to strengthen access to legal services and community legal education.
The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was held on July 13, 2026 at the JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City.
The agreement was signed by Mayor Jane Yap and Atty. Virginia Palanca Santiago, President of the Board of Trustees of Law Center, Inc.
Also present were Lorenza Fernandez, Executive Director of Law Center, Inc., Angelina Costan, Officer-in-Charge of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and Ms. Alica Faith Bayocot, Chairperson of the Tagbilaran Gender and Development Focal Point System – Technical Working Group.
The partnership aims to provide free legal assistance, legal literacy programs, community-based paralegal training, gender sensitivity seminars, and other capacity-building initiatives.
These programs will empower residents, particularly women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors.
Mayor Jane Yap said the collaboration reinforces the city’s commitment to making justice more accessible through partnerships with organizations that share the same vision of empowering communities.
“Justice becomes meaningful only when it is accessible to every citizen.”
“Through this partnership, we are bringing legal services and legal education closer to our communities so that every Tagbilaranon is empowered to know, protect, and assert their rights,” Mayor Yap said.
Under the agreement, the City Government and Law Center, Inc. will jointly implement legal education campaigns, capacity-building activities, and referral mechanisms.
These will strengthen community awareness of legal rights while improving access to legal assistance and support services.
City officials said the initiative complements the local government’s people-centered governance agenda.
It ensures that legal protection and social justice programs reach those who need them most.
The partnership also strengthens collaboration with civil society organizations in advancing inclusive and responsive public service delivery.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria C. Yap (left) and Atty. Virginia Palanca Santiago (right), President of the Board of Trustees of Law Center, Inc., sign the Memorandum of Agreement on July 13, 2026 at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City. Behind Mayor Yap is CSWDO Officer-in-Charge Angelina Costan, while Atty. Santiago is assisted by her witness during the signing. (Contributed photo)
Tagbilaran takes home 2 wins at Bohol Agri awards
Tagbilaran City secured two major honors during the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma og Mangingisda’ng Bol-anon 2026 Awards.
The awarding was held on July 15, 2026 at the Bohol Cultural Center, Tagbilaran City.
Manga National High School 4-H Club was named First Place in the Outstanding Young Farmer (4-H Club) Category.
The award recognized the club’s exemplary efforts in promoting agriculture, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership.
As the provincial champion, the Manga National High School 4-H Club received a plaque of recognition and a ₱40,000 cash prize.
Adding to Tagbilaran City’s achievements, Melanie Paano of the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) was honored as the Outstanding Assisting Technician.
She was recognized for her invaluable guidance and technical support to the winning 4-H Club.
She also received a plaque of recognition for her contribution to the program.
Mayor Jane Yap lauded both the student organization and the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office for bringing pride to Tagbilaran.
She cited their commitment to agricultural development and youth empowerment.
“This recognition proves that our young people can become champions of agriculture when they are provided with the right guidance and opportunities.”
“We congratulate the Manga National High School 4-H Club and Ms. Melanie Paano for this outstanding achievement, which reflects the city’s continued investment in developing future agricultural leaders and promoting food security,” Mayor Yap said.
The mayor also acknowledged the efforts of the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office in implementing programs.
These programs encourage young Tagbilaranons to appreciate agriculture as a viable and meaningful field of service and entrepreneurship.
The Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma og Mangingisda’ng Bol-anon Awards is an annual provincial recognition program.
It honors outstanding farmers, fisherfolk, agricultural organizations, and extension workers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Bohol’s agriculture and fisheries sector.
Members of the Manga National High School 4-H Club receive the First Place award in the Outstanding Young Farmer (4-H Club) Category during the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma og Mangingisda’ng Bol-anon 2026 Awards on July 15, 2026 at the Bohol Cultural Center. (Contributed photo)