Tagbilaran City Recognized for Urban Agriculture Excellence

The City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) Faith Garden has been awarded Best Urban and Periurban Garden 2025 (Microgardening Category – Provincial Level) under the National Urban and Periurban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) of the Department of Agriculture.

The recognition was conferred by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VII during ceremonies held on December 10, 2025, at Reyna’s The Haven and Gardens, Tagbilaran City.

The plaque of recognition was received by Dr. Carl Pradera, Officer-in-Charge of the Tagbilaran Agrivet Office, on behalf of the City Government.

The Department of Agriculture noted that the City’s Faith Garden demonstrated excellence in sustainable urban food production, efficient space utilization, and community impact—key criteria under the NUPAP’s evaluation framework.

Mayor Jane Yap, in her message, commended the team for bringing pride and recognition to the city.

Tagbilaran City continues to push forward initiatives that strengthen food security and promote resilient, sustainable communities.

This award affirms the dedication of our Agrivet Office and the hard work behind our urban agriculture programs.

We will continue to support efforts that empower households and barangays to grow their own food and contribute to a healthier, greener Tagbilaran.

City officials emphasized that the award further motivates the local government to expand and enhance its urban and periurban agricultural projects, especially as demand for local, sustainable food sources continues to grow.

L-R: Mr. Roman Dabalos (APCO Bohol), Ms. Ana Luz Mislos (DA RFO VII NUPAP Focal Person), and Dr. Carl Leonard Pradera (OIC of CAVO) hold the plaque for Tagbilaran City’s Best Urban and Periurban Garden 2025 award. (Contributed photo)

Tagbilaran Kicks Off Christmas Festivities with Lighting Ceremony and Bazaar

The City Government of Tagbilaran formally ushered in the Christmas season with the annual “Pasko sa Tagbilaran” Lighting Ceremony and the opening of the Tagbo sa Tagbi Christmas Bazaar on December 8, 2025, at the City Hall grounds.

Mayor Jane Yap, together with Vice Mayor Adam Jala, Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and city department heads, led the event, which attracted families, residents, and visitors eager to witness one of the city’s most cherished holiday traditions.

The celebration featured the blessing of the nativity scene and the much-awaited illumination of the City Hall building, the musical dancing fountain, and the surrounding park and grounds.

The City Hall transformed into a festive Christmas Village with office façades adorned with holiday décor, complementing the brightly lit thoroughfares and installations across the city.

Adding to the festive atmosphere was the opening of the Tagbo sa Tagbi Christmas Bazaar, showcasing food stalls, hot meals, native crafts, and upcycled products.

The bazaar highlights the creativity and livelihood initiatives of local artisans, women’s associations, and beneficiaries under the City Livelihood and Community Development Unit, providing them meaningful economic opportunities during the holiday season.

During the program, the city government presented Plaques of Appreciation to partners and sponsors who contributed to the installation of Christmas lights and decorations at the City Hall grounds.

The recognized partners included: Alturas Group of Companies, YY Homebuilders Depot, Gail Nazareno Construction and Development Corporation, Atlantic Erectors, Bohol Light Company Inc./Prime Electric Co., JLCC Construction, IBEX Bohol, Sagility Bohol, Nodal Electric Trade and Services, Gaprotec Security Inc., LABB Construction, Land Bank of the Philippines–Tagbilaran, Bohol Quality Mall, Mega Speed ICT Solutions Inc., T3CK Trading, Byro Pharma Corporation, JJ’s Seafood Village, Southern Star Bus Company, EC Solicon Builders and Supply Inc., and Calichan Resources Inc.

In her message, Mayor Jane Yap thanked the partners for their generosity and support, underscoring that “every light switched on symbolizes hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Tagbilaranon people.”

The Christmas Food Bazaar is open daily from 6:00 P.M. to 12:00 midnight, while the City Hall grounds will remain open until 11:00 P.M. for visitors who wish to enjoy the festive displays and holiday attractions.

“Pasko sa Tagbilaran” is officially here! The night sky was painted with vibrant colors as fireworks lit up the Tagbilaran City Hall grounds on December 8, 2025. Families, residents, and visitors enjoyed the musical dancing fountain and the opening of the Tagbo sa Tagbi Christmas Bazaar. (Contributed photo)

Tagbilaran City leads the way in Primary Healthcare, sweeps top honors at PhilHealth Event

Tagbilaran City emerged as one of the top performers in primary healthcare delivery as it swept several major awards during the PhilHealth Capacity Building on Primary Care Excellence held on December 11, 2025, at the Metro Centre Hotel.

Organized by the PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) Tagbilaran, the year-end event recognized outstanding achievements of YAKAP facilities across Bohol.

The Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility (TCPCF) secured five distinctions, solidifying its position as a leading implementer of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP):
– Top 2 YAKAP Clinic – for placing second in PhilHealth payment capitations under the YAKAP Program
– YAKAP Caravan FPE Excellence Award – for posting the highest First Patient Encounters (800 FPEs) during the YAKAP Caravan
– YAKAP Top Registration Award – for registering the highest number of YAKAP beneficiaries
– SYNERGY Award – for exemplary participation in all PhilHealth YAKAP activities, including the First Patient Encounter and PhilHealth TagbilaRUN
– YAKAP Champion Award – presented to Dr. Jeia Pondoc for her leadership and significant contributions to YAKAP implementation

Mayor Jane Yap commended the awardees, noting that the recognition reflects the city’s drive to ensure quality and accessible healthcare for every Tagbilaranon.

She emphasized that these achievements serve as a reaffirmation of the city’s commitment to deliver efficient and people-centered primary care services.

“These awards highlight the dedication of our healthcare teams and their unwavering service to our community. We will continue to strengthen our systems and innovate to meet the growing needs of our constituents,” Mayor Jane said.

The awards were received on behalf of the facility by Jessie Padernal, PhilHealth Focal Person, and Beverly Malima, IT Specialist of the TCPCF Admin 

Proud moment for Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility as Jessie Padernal and Beverly Malima receive multiple YAKAP excellence awards from PhilHealth officials at the PhilHealth Capacity Building on Primary Care Excellence. The event took place on December 11, 2025 at the Metro Centre Hotel, Tagbilaran City. (Contributed photo)