Tagbilaran Dialysis Center nears completion 

The much-anticipated Tagbilaran City Dialysis Center, a landmark health project of the Yap-Jala administration, is now 90% complete and is expected to open soon, bringing life-saving treatment closer to home for Tagbilaranons. 

The project, which began in 2022 as a top priority of Mayor Jane Yap’s first term, has progressed swiftly with full funding for state-of-the-art dialysis machines already secured.

Significantly, the city has achieved this milestone without relying on loans, underscoring its commitment to sustainable public health investments.

“This Dialysis Center is more than just a facility; it’s a commitment to putting the health and well-being of Tagbilaranons first,” Mayor Yap said.  

Mayor Yap continued by saying: “Our administration has strengthened health facilities to ensure every Tagbilaranon has access to essential health services. This project is a testament to that commitment, and it’s also a continuation of the health initiatives started by former Mayor Baba Yap.”

With this center, Tagbilaran City aims to provide its residents with improved access to quality dialysis treatment locally, reducing the financial and physical burden on patients. 

The facility is a significant addition to the city’s healthcare services, symbolizing a forward-looking approach to public health.

Under the administration of Mayor Jane Yap and Vice Mayor Adam Jala, Tagbilaran City continues to enhance its health infrastructure, creating tangible benefits for the community that will be felt for generations. 

As the project nears completion, the city eagerly anticipates the opening of this essential health facility, which will not only serve as a medical resource but as a symbol of Tagbilaran’s unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of its people.

In photo is the construction of the Tagbilaran City Dialysis Center which is currently at 90% completion. This vital healthcare facility will ensure that all Tagbilaranons have access to essential dialysis services, underscoring the City’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for its residents. (Contributed photo)

City holds historical waterscapes symposium

The City Government of Tagbilaran held a significant symposium on November 6, 2024, entitled SU’G Flows of History, which delved into the cultural and environmental heritage of Tagbilaran’s historic waterscapes. 

The event brought together local historians, archaeologists, environmental advocates, and residents to deepen appreciation and understanding of the city’s unique historical landscapes connected to water.

Atty. Ma. Cecilia U. Tirol, Visayas Director for the National Museums of the Philippines, gave a special message emphasizing the significance of Tagbilaran’s waterways and their role in Philippine history. 

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap echoed this sentiment, expressing the city government’s dedication to safeguarding its cultural heritage.

 “Tagbilaran’s waters have borne witness to countless events, from the early trading days to moments of courage and resilience. These waterscapes are living stories that connect us to our roots and shape our vision for the future. We are committed to preserving these resources and inspiring a deep appreciation for our heritage among Tagbilaranons,” she said. 

The Mayor also acknowledged the support of national agencies and local experts in Tagbilaran’s efforts toward environmental and cultural conservation.

The symposium featured three insightful lectures. Ms. Athena Vitor of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) opened the series with a presentation of Tagbilaran City Cultural Mapping, showcasing how the city’s natural and built heritage intertwine. This was followed by Prof. Marianito Jose Luspo’s discussion on Cultural Assets and Resources of Tagbilaran City, which highlighted the historical sites and cultural practices that form Tagbilaran’s identity. 

Mr. Bobby Orillaneda, Head of the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division at the National Museum of the Philippines, delivered the final lecture, Archaeology and the Historic Waterscapes of Tagbilaran, which explored the city’s archaeological heritage in relation to its waterways.

This was followed by a sharing on “Conserving the Artifacts of Ubujan, by Ms. Rachelle Ureta, a conservator from the National Museum’s Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage division. 

A panel discussion followed, focusing on the Cultural Significance of Tagbilaran’s Historic Waterscapes, and this included panelists Mr. Orillaneda, Dr. Vida de Juan, Ms. Rachelle Lacea from the National Museum Bohol, and Dr. Rosalinda Paredes of USAID CHANGE. 

The symposium concluded with a hands-on cultural immersion the following day. Participants visited the Manga River, the historic San Antonio de Padua Convent in Ubujan District, Cabisi in Ubujan, and Banat-I Hill, which overlooks the Tagbilaran Strait. 

The event culminated with a guided tour of the Bohol Gallery at the National Museum, giving attendees a closer look at the artifacts and exhibits that trace the province’s rich cultural history.

With SU’G Flows of History, Tagbilaran City reaffirms its commitment to honoring and preserving its past while building awareness of the environmental and cultural significance of its waterscapes.

Photo shows Tagbilaran City Government employees, historians, and environmental advocates come together at the “SU’G: Flows of History” Symposium held at Bohol Bee Farm on November 6, 2024. The event was organized with the support of the Office of the City Mayor and the City Tourism Office to highlight the importance of preserving history and fostering a sustainable future. (Contributed photo)