Tagbilaran highlights citizen role in third CSO Empowerment Week
The City Government of Tagbilaran concluded its third Civil Society Organization, or CSO, Empowerment Week on August 28, 2026.
The week highlighted the role of civil society groups in local governance through a series of capacity-building, environmental, and community activities.
The week-long observance opened on August 24, 2026 at the City Hall Atrium.
A Holy Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog.
The opening program featured the presentation of activities, the CSO Commitment Board, sectoral presentations, and the first-ever CSO Quiz Bee for Governance.
Messages were also delivered by Mayor Jane Yap, Vice Mayor Adam Jala, City Councilor Jose Floro Ringca, and Tagbilaran City People’s Council, or TCPC, Chairperson Francis Bernard Batoy.
On August 25, a coastal clean-up was held at Manga Fishport.
On August 26, the city conducted a financial literacy session and a CSO capacity development training.
On August 27, an urban gardening skills training and seedling distribution were held in partnership with the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office.
The celebration concluded on August 28 with the CSO Larolympics 2026.
The Larolympics brought participating organizations together for recreational activities and fellowship.
“Civil society organizations are important partners in building a responsive and inclusive city. Their participation helps us understand the needs of our communities and develop programs that respond to the realities of our people,” Mayor Yap said.
The third CSO Empowerment Week was organized by the Tagbilaran City Government in partnership with the Tagbilaran City People’s Council, or TCPC, its Board of Trustees, and participating civil society organizations.
Tagbilaran’s dynamic CSO initiatives have earned multiple recognitions.
These include the Award for Pioneering Local People’s Council and the Award for Pioneering CSO Academy.
The academy is known in Tagbilaran as the Center for Responsive Citizen Empowerment, Education and Development, or CREED.
Mayor Jane Yap (8th from left, 1st row) and Vice Mayor Adam Jala (9th from left, 1st row) join CSO leaders and representatives at the opening of the 3rd CSO Empowerment Week on August 24, 2026 at the City Hall Atrium.
Tagbilaran boosts health checks amid flu and dengue rise
The City Government of Tagbilaran has stepped up health monitoring and preventive measures due to a rise in influenza and flu-like illnesses, especially among students.
Dengue cases have also increased, prompting Barangay Cogon to be placed under heightened monitoring.
Mayor Jane Yap said she directed the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility, or TCPCF, headed by City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc, to strengthen surveillance and carry out early interventions.
The goal is to prevent further transmission and protect residents, with a focus on children and families.
To support this, the city is now offering free complete blood count and Dengue NS1 testing for Tagbilaran residents who need medical assessment.
A priority lane has also been set up for patients seeking these services.
TCPCF has extended its health services until 10 P.M. to accommodate parents, workers, and other residents who cannot go during regular office hours.
Mayor Yap urged residents to have themselves or their children checked if a fever lasts for two days or does not improve.
She stressed the importance of seeking medical attention before symptoms become severe.
For flu-like illnesses, the city has coordinated with schools to encourage students with fever, cough, colds, sore throat, body aches, or similar symptoms to stay home and rest until they recover.
Residents with symptoms were also advised to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
Meanwhile, dengue surveillance has been strengthened in barangays where cases have increased.
Barangay Cogon remains under heightened monitoring as part of the city’s intensified response.
The city urged households to carry out the “Search and Destroy” approach by eliminating stagnant water.
Residents were also told to clean gutters and water containers, cover water storage facilities, and keep surroundings free of potential mosquito breeding sites.
Mayor Yap said the city’s response will focus on early identification, immediate action, and accessible health services.
“We should not wait for the situation to become an emergency before we act. Prevention and early action will always be our priority,” Yap said.
The city government called on schools, barangay officials, healthcare workers, and residents to work together to prevent the spread of both respiratory illnesses and dengue.
This includes monitoring symptoms, seeking early consultation, and maintaining clean surroundings.
Tagbilaran City ramps up health monitoring and prevention amid rising flu-like illnesses and dengue cases to ensure accessible care and early treatment. Residents are urged to seek medical consultation if symptoms persist and to prevent dengue by eliminating mosquito breeding sites through the “Search and Destroy” approach. (Photo from the Official Facebook Page of Mayor Jane Yap)