Tagbilaran City, in its resounding testament to commit to excellence and public
service, achieved an extraordinary triple win at the 2023 World Class Philippines
Awards for Business and Brands, held on December 14, 2023, at the Waterfront
Hotel in Cebu City.
The prestigious awards ceremony recognized the outstanding contributions of
individuals and entities across various sectors, solidifying Tagbilaran City’s
reputation as a trailblazer in governance and business-friendly initiatives.
City Mayor Jane Yap and Chief of Staff John Geesnell Yap II were both honored with
the distinguished World Class Filipino 2023 Outstanding Public Servant award.
This recognition underscores their exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovative
contributions to the city’s progress.
Their collaborative efforts have not only shaped Tagbilaran City’s present but have
also set a visionary course for its future
Mayor Jane Yap expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It is truly an
honor to receive this award alongside Chief of Staff John Geesnell Yap II. This is a
testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team in Tagbilaran City.
We remain steadfast in our mission to serve and uplift our community.”

In a momentous achievement, Tagbilaran City was also recognized as an
Outstanding and Business-Friendly City. This accolade acknowledges the city’s
continuous efforts in fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
In October 2023, the City of Tagbilaran was awarded as the “Most Business Friendly
City” in the country and declared a Hall of Fame Awardee by the Philippine Chamber
of Commerce and Industry for clinching this coveted award three times within the
past five years.
The triple win at the 2023 World Class Philippines Awards not only celebrates
Tagbilaran City’s present achievements but also serves as an inspiration for cities
nationwide.
The recognition reaffirms Tagbilaran City’s standing as a dynamic and forward-
thinking community, setting the bar high for excellence in public service and
business-friendly initiatives.