CITY Mayor Jane Yap delivered a comprehensive and compelling State of the City Address (SOCA) during the regular session of the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod.
This significant event took place on July 1, 2024, at the Bohol Cultural Center, marking the 58th Charter Day of Tagbilaran City.
In her address, Mayor Yap presented a detailed report on the accomplishments of her administration over the past 12 months.
She dedicated this year’s SOCA to the people of Tagbilaran, outlining the achievements using the acronym TAGBILARAN, which stands for Technology and Digitalization, Advocacy on Education, Good Governance, Business-Friendly Initiatives, Infrastructure Development, Life, Health, and Social Services, Arts, Culture, and Sports, Resilience, Peace, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Agriculture and Livelihood, and Nature and Environment Protection.
In her highly applauded one-hour speech, Mayor Yap proudly highlighted the awards and achievements received by the city and expressed her gratitude to the department heads and employees for their hard work and dedication.
She stated, “Every milestone we achieve is a testament to the strength and resilience of our people. Together, we are building a Tagbilaran that is inclusive, sustainable, and progressive.”
Mayor Yap also extended her thanks to the Provincial Government of Bohol, national government agencies, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, international aid agencies, the business sector, and the media for their continuous support in promoting and uplifting Tagbilaran City.
Following Mayor Yap’s SOCA, there was an awarding ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the city.
A total of 52 City Government Service Awardees were recognized for their dedicated service.
This included 1 awardee for 40 years, 4 awardees for 35 years, 1 for 30 years, 6 for 25 years, 25 for 20 years, and 15 for 10 years of service.
The 2024 Top Business Renewal Taxes & Fees Taxpayer Citation was awarded to Alturas Group of Companies, Toyota Tagbilaran City, JT International (Philippines) Inc., Luther Z. Ramiro Medical Center, Inc., and Citi Hardware Bacolod, Inc.
Additionally, the 2024 Real Property Taxpayer Citation awardees included Smart Telecommunications Inc., Alturas Group of Companies, Quality Properties Inc./Bohol Quality Corp., Herbert Malmis, and Globalport Bohol Terminal, Inc.
The Community Service Award was given to the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation, City General Services Office, and Most Reverend Alberto S. Uy, DD.
The Distinguished Tagbilaranon Award was presented to Vanessa P. Sarno for her outstanding contributions to the community, while the Centenarian Award was presented to Vicente D. Dela Peña.
A Plaque of Gratitude was given to the Provincial Government of Bohol, while Plaques of Recognition were awarded to the Tagbilaran City People’s Council, Tingog Party List, Gcash, Maya Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines-Tagbilaran City Hall Branch, Pedi App, MacBizz Software Development Services, former Tagbilaran City Chief of Police PLtCol. Homobuno R. Sayon and PLtCol. Reggie P. Real, PEMS Celso D. Orapa, Maria Nicolette F. Vergara, and Frances Uma Tirol-Espinosa.
The event concluded with a closing message by City Administrator Cathelyn Torremocha, who emphasized the importance of continued unity and collaboration in driving the city’s progress forward.
Master of Ceremonies during the event was Gloria Leodivica Ines Araneta.