Tagbilaran City empowers women through month-long activities

The City Government of Tagbilaran, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, continues its month-long celebration of National Women’s Month with a series of activities highlighting women’s empowerment, leadership, and community development.

Carrying the national theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the city has been conducting programs throughout March that recognize the contributions of women while providing opportunities for learning, livelihood, and public service.

The celebration opened on March 2 with an all-women flag-raising ceremony at Tagbilaran City Hall, where women employees led the weekly civic rites in recognition of their role in public service.

On March 6, the city held “Honoring Women,” which featured a Holy Mass, Unity Walk, and Women’s Wellness Seminar.

The activity gathered women from different sectors to promote solidarity and encourage awareness of health and wellness among women.

Women entrepreneurs and creatives were also highlighted during the “She Leads: Women-Led Pop-Up Shops and Open Mic” on March 9-12, which showcased products and talents of local women while providing them a platform to promote their businesses.

Another major activity, “Empowering Women: Serbisyo para sa Kababaihan,” was conducted on March 12 at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium and Grounds, where various government services were made available to women in the community.

More programs are set to take place in the coming days as part of the celebration.

On March 17, the city will organize a Paralegal and Legal Aid Mission at JJ’s Seafood Village in Poblacion II, providing women with legal information and assistance.

Meanwhile, livelihood and environmental activities are scheduled for March 18, including a Body Massage and Ventosa Livelihood Training at the Tagbilaran City Tourism Gallery and a Mangrove Planting Activity in Cabisea, Ubujan to promote environmental stewardship.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo market will be held on March 18 to 19 at the Tagbilaran City Hall Grounds, offering affordable agricultural products to the public. A Paper Briquette Training under the Building Livelihoods Program will also be conducted on March 19 at the Saulog Gymnasium.

On March 24, the city will conduct “Serving Women: Serbisyo para sa Kababaihan” at the Tagbilaran City Jail, extending support services to women deprived of liberty.

Environmental protection will also be emphasized through the Wildlife Enforcement Seminar titled “Protecting Nature” scheduled on March 25 at JJ’s Seafood Village.

Meanwhile, the Social Enterprise Forum and Launch of the Search for the Most Outstanding Women’s Organization will be held on March 27 at the Saulog Gymnasium, highlighting women-led initiatives that contribute to community development.

The month-long observance will conclude on March 31 with the GAD–Technical Working Group Evaluation Activity, which will assess gender-responsive programs and strengthen future initiatives of the city government.

These activities show the City Government of Tagbilaran’s strong and consistent efforts to advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development.

Mayor Jane Yap greets the women participants during the National Women’s Month kickoff ceremony at the Saulog Gymnasium, Tagbilaran City. (March 6, 2026). Contributed photo

Tagbilaran Primary Care Facility bags 3 awards at PhilHealth YAKAP Summit

Tagbilaran Primary Care Facility wins three awards at PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Summit 2026 for Accredited YAKAP Clinics in Region VII held on March 11, 2026, at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Among the recognitions received by TCPCF was the YAKAP Registration Excellence Award, given to the facility for achieving the highest number of registered beneficiaries among its catchment population under the PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office
– Tagbilaran, significantly contributing to the implementation of PhilHealth YAKAP in Central Visayas.

The facility also received the YAKAP First Patient Encounter (FPE) Excellence Award for recording the highest number of FPE among its registered beneficiaries, reflecting the facility’s active delivery of primary healthcare services.

Completing the recognitions was the YAKAP Champion Award, which was conferred in recognition of TCPCF’s outstanding leadership and distinguished performance in both YAKAP Registration and First Patient Encounter, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing equitable access to healthcare services.

Accepting the awards on behalf of Tagbilaran City were Dr. Jeia Pondoc, City Health Officer, and Jessie Padernal, PhilHealth Focal Person of TCPCF.

Mayor Jane Yap commended the city’s healthcare workers for the achievement, noting that the recognition highlights the dedication and hard work of the local health workforce in delivering essential health services to the community.
“This recognition affirms our city’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring that every Tagbilaranon has access to quality health services,” Mayor Yap said.

The YAKAP Summit gathered health leaders and representatives from accredited facilities across Central Visayas to reinforce the implementation of the YAKAP program, which aims to expand access to primary care, preventive services, and essential medicines for Filipinos.

These awards further underscore Tagbilaran City’s continuing efforts to improve public health and ensure accessible, quality primary care services for its residents.

Dr. Jeia Pondoc (5th from left), City Health Officer, accepts a plaque of recognition with Jessie Padernal, PhilHealth focal person (6th from left), and PhilHealth officials at YAKAP Summit 2026, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (March 11, 2026). Contributed photo