Tagbilaran advances infrastructure and tourism projects

The City Government of Tagbilaran is moving forward with several major infrastructure and tourism projects. 

Mayor Jane Yap conducted site inspections in Tagbilaran and met with regional officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Cebu. 

Mayor Yap inspected three key projects in Tagbilaran: the Tourist Rest Area at the Blood Compact Site, the Tagbilaran Multi-Use Sports Facility and Youth Center, and the Tagbilaran Causeway. 

The Tourist Rest Area and the Multi-Use Sports Facility and Youth Center are now ready for turnover. 

The tourist facility was undertaken in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) through former DOT Secretary Christina Frasco and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Secretary Mark Lapid. 

The sports facility received support from Senator Pia Cayetano. 

Mayor Yap said site inspections give the city government an opportunity to check project progress and ensure that planned facilities are delivered for public use. 

Mayor Yap traveled to Cebu for a project coordination meeting with DPWH Region VII Regional Director Engr. Simon Arias and DENR Region VII Regional Director Laudemir Salac. 

She was joined by representatives from the City Engineering and City Planning offices. 

The meeting focused on aligning the implementation of major projects, including the rehabilitation of the Tagbilaran Causeway, Manga Fishport, Poblacion II Barangay Development, and the proposed One-Stop-Shop Government Facility at the Tagbilaran Port. 

Mayor Yap said the discussions aimed to improve coordination between local and national agencies and address implementation concerns affecting priority projects. 

The City Government of Tagbilaran’s approach is centered on projects that directly benefit communities and provide services and facilities that residents can use.

Key infrastructure and tourism projects in Tagbilaran City undergo site inspection and project coordination by Mayor Jane Yap (3rd from left) and representatives. (Contributed photo)

City sharpens business inspections with JIT refresher

The City Government of Tagbilaran is working to make business regulation more efficient and service-oriented. 
On September 10, 2026, members of the Joint Inspection Team (JIT) attended a refresher course at the Tagbilaran City Tourism Gallery and Information Center. 

The day-long training was organized by the Business Permitting and Licensing Office (BPLO) as part of the city’s 60th Diamond Jubilee celebration. 

It focused on business regulatory compliance, professional conduct in the field, and customer relations. 

Mayor Jane Yap led the opening ceremonies and emphasized the need for inspectors to balance effective enforcement with courtesy and professionalism when dealing with business owners. 

“It is critical that we help new and existing business owners clearly understand both the permitting process and their regulatory responsibilities,” Yap said. 

She also stressed the importance of partnership between the city government and the local business sector. 

BPLO Head Mary Christine Bitoy-Montalban discussed the JIT’s functions and processes, including its role in facilitating business permitting and ensuring compliance with city regulations. 

Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Lynneth Mae Ibba provided updates on local measures governing business registration. 

City Treasurer Hubert Inas discussed how efficient registration systems contribute to improved local revenue collection. 

Dr. Rosalinda Paredes facilitated a SWOT analysis and sessions on professional field conduct and customer relations, including practical simulations. 

The training also covered guidelines and challenges in conducting JIT nighttime inspections. 

The Joint Inspection Team refresher course was attended by employees from BPLO, City Treasurer’s Office, Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility, City Planning and Development Office, Tagbilaran City Environment Management Office, City Agriculture and Veterinary Office, Office of the Building Official, ALERT, and City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office.

City Administrator Alvin Luis O. Acuzar leads members of the Joint Inspection Team (JIT) during the JIT Refresher Course held on September 10, 2026, at the Tagbilaran City Tourism Gallery and Information Center. Also in photo are Dr. Rosalinda Paredes (center) and BPLO Head Mary Christine Bitoy-Montalban (right). (Contributed photo)