Tagbilaran promotes mental well-being
On October 30, 2026, the Tagbilaran City Government gathered Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and persons with disabilities (PWDs) at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City.
The gathering was a mental health awareness program that highlighted emotional well-being, community support, and access to mental health information.
It was organized through the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility in observance of World Mental Health Day 2026.
The program featured interactive activities and an educational lecture on mental health.
City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc opened the program with welcome remarks.
Mental health games followed, facilitated by nurses under the Department of Health Central Visayas’ Nurses Deployment Program.
The activities encouraged participants to interact with one another while learning about mental well-being.
An inspirational message from Mayor Jane Yap was delivered by her representative, former City Councilor Eliezer Borja.
The message reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to promoting the health and well-being of Tagbilaranons.
The main lecture was delivered by Dr. Karina Mae Uy-Bucoy, City Government Assistant Department Head I of the City Human Resource Management and Development Office.
She discussed the importance of understanding mental health, recognizing emotional needs, and building a supportive environment where individuals can seek help without fear of judgment.
In his closing remarks, Public Health Nurse Supervisor and Health Education and Promotion Officer Robin R. Culpa encouraged participants to apply what they had learned.
He also urged them to help promote a community that values mental health and supports those who may be experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.
The activity formed part of the City Health Office’s continuing efforts to raise mental health awareness and promote an inclusive and compassionate community.
It emphasized that mental well-being is an essential part of overall health.
Public Health Nurse Supervisor and Health Education and Promotion Officer Robin R. Culpa (left) presents a Certificate of Appreciation to resource speaker Dr. Karina Mae A. Uy-Bucoy after her mental health lecture during the World Mental Health Day 2026 celebration on October 30, 2026, at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City. (Contributed photo)
MSMEs learn cashless payments in Tagbilaran
Local entrepreneurs were introduced to digital business tools and cashless payment technology during the Digital Negosyo Program held on October 29, 2026 at the Island City Mall Activity Center.
The program was part of the Tagbilaran City Government’s intensified efforts to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to digital transactions.
It was organized by the City Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (CEDIPO), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and GCash.
The program aimed to provide local business owners with practical digital solutions for improving daily operations and payment services.
The main highlight of the event was the launch of GCash for Business SoundPay.
SoundPay is an audio-assisted payment feature that provides audible transaction confirmations.
It allows business owners and merchants to verify cashless payments more conveniently.
The technology is expected to help MSMEs manage digital transactions more efficiently.
It is also expected to give customers an additional layer of convenience when making payments.
The initiative forms part of Mayor Jane Yap’s continuing efforts to strengthen the local business sector through digitalization and partnerships with government agencies and private institutions.
By expanding access to digital payment solutions, the city aims to help local enterprises improve their business processes.
It also aims to help them respond to changing consumer preferences and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
PD Vierna Teresa C. Ligan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) delivers the Rationale and Welcome Remarks at the Digital Negosyo Program on October 29, 2026, at Island City Mall Activity Center. (Contributed photo)