Tagbilaran Holds CSO Conference to Advance Participatory Governance
The City Government of Tagbilaran reaffirmed its commitment to participatory governance during the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Conference held on August 4, 2025 at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City.
The event brought together local government officials, accredited CSO representatives, and development advocates to discuss inclusive policymaking, citizen participation, and updated guidelines on CSO accreditation and engagement.
City Vice Mayor Hon. Adam Relson Jala delivered the welcome remarks, followed by an inspirational message from Mayor Jane Yap, who was represented by City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar.
In her message, Mayor Yap thanked the CSOs for their active engagement and emphasized the importance of broad-based governance in Tagbilaran City, which encourages citizen involvement in decision-making. She also led the call for deeper civil society involvement in governance, highlighting the city’s institutional mechanisms that support citizen participation.
“In Tagbilaran City, we govern within a broad democratic framework that offers numerous opportunities for citizen participation. We have a strong track record of fostering engagement with civil society organizations through the Tagbilaran City People’s Council, a dedicated CSO desk, and an ordinance mandating the inclusion of CSOs with voting rights in the Standing Committees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” Mayor Yap stated in her message.
CSO Desk Officer Kim Anub presented the background and schedule of activities, setting the tone for the conference modules that followed.
The first module on the Relevance of Participatory Governance was discussed by City Administrator Acuzar, who underscored the importance of empowering citizens in shaping local policies. This was followed by SP Secretary Lynneth Mae Ibba, who presented Memorandum Circular No. 2025-060 on the updated guidelines on LGU accreditation for CSOs.
In the afternoon session, Ms. Juliet Olalo, City Local Government Operations Officer, discussed the avenues of participation and the selection of representatives to the Local Special Bodies. Ms. Marietta S. Gasatan, President of the Tagbilaran City People’s Council, also shared insights on the role and accomplishments of the People’s Council.
A deeper look into Democratic Governance was provided by Dr. Rosalinda Paredes, Governance and Development Specialist.
The conference concluded with an Open Forum, followed by closing remarks from Hon. Jose Floro Ringca, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Peoples Empowerment and CSO Accreditation.
The CSO Conference served as a vital platform to strengthen the city’s participatory mechanisms, ensuring that the voices of Tagbilaran’s civil society remain integral in local governance, in line with the city’s vision of a people-centered, transparent, and accountable government.
Local government officials, civil society representatives, and development advocates gather for a group photo at the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Conference on Aug 4, 2025, at JJ’s Seafood Village in Tagbilaran City. The event brought together stakeholders to strengthen participatory governance and enhance citizen engagement in local policymaking. (Contributed photo)
City Traffic Enforcers Undergo Refresher Seminar, Second Batch Set on August 9
City traffic enforcers in Tagbilaran are undergoing updated training through the Traffic Enforcers’ Refresher Seminar 2025, a capacity-building initiative led by the City Government of Tagbilaran through the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO). The first batch completed the seminar on August 2, 2025 at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City, while the second batch is scheduled on August 9, 2025.
The one-day seminar aims to enhance the skills, professionalism, and overall performance of traffic enforcers, equipping them to respond effectively to daily challenges on the road.
City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar formally opened the program by underscoring the importance of continuous learning and upskilling among frontline personnel. Representing Mayor Jane Yap, he also delivered her message, which highlighted the critical role of traffic enforcers as the city’s frontliners in maintaining order and discipline. The mayor’s message emphasized the values of integrity, courtesy, and strict adherence to traffic laws as essential qualities in public service.
The morning sessions began with talk from Mr. Cirilo Maramba Jr., Chief Probation and Parole Officer, who discussed the Basics of Human Rights for Traffic Enforcers, reminding participants of their responsibility to uphold the rights and dignity of every motorist and pedestrian.
This was followed by City Treasurer Hubert Inas, who facilitated the session on Financial Management, helping enforcers make better decisions regarding their personal and family finances.
In the afternoon, PEMS Celso Orapa of the Bohol Provincial Police Office BPPO delivered a session on Traffic Directions, Control, and Accident Investigation, while Retired PMAJ Jesus Acullador, CTMO traffic consultant, provided guidance on Traffic Law Enforcement and Traffic Laws & Regulations.
City Councilor Fausto Budlong led the distribution of certificates and delivered the closing remarks, commending the enforcers for their dedication to service and encouraging them to apply their learnings in the field.
The refresher seminar is part of Tagbilaran City’s ongoing efforts to professionalize traffic enforcement, promote public safety, and strengthen the quality of service provided to the commuting public.
City Treasurer Hubert Inas shares practical financial management strategies during the Traffic Enforcers’ Refresher Seminar on Aug 2, 2025, at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City. The seminar aims to boost the professionalism and performance of the city’s traffic enforcers. (Contributed photo)