IN a speech filled with gratitude, resolve, and renewed vision, Mayor Jane Yap formally began her second term as Tagbilaran’s chief executive during the 59th Charter Day celebration and inauguration of newly elected officials held on July 1, 2025 at the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium, Tagbilaran City.
The event also saw the formal presentation and turnover of the framed Oath of Office to Mayor Yap, Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala and newly elected members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, namely Councilors Jose Floro Ringca, Gian Carlo Besas, Jose Esteban Timoteo Butalid, Nerio Zamora II, Leonides Borja, Fausto Budlong, Agustinus Gonzaga, Christian Merck Blanco, Charles Cabalit, and Gemma Inting.
The solemn ceremony was witnessed by Vice Governor Nicanor Besas and Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, further underscoring the unity and continuity of leadership in Tagbilaran City.
Addressing a packed hall of public servants, partners, supporters, and constituents, Mayor Yap reaffirmed her commitment to continue steering Tagbilaran towards sustainable progress anchored on a style of governance that is family-centered, inclusive, and participatory in development.
“Every project, every program, every policy we implement will always be for our families, for our children, and for the generations of Tagbilaranons to come,” Mayor Yap said.
Mayor Yap highlighted Tagbilaran’s digital transformation and transparency initiatives, including record-high e-collections, recognition as a GCash Digital Innovation awardee, and consistent top marks from national agencies like the DILG and BLGF.
Investments in public health have expanded, with a completed Dialysis Center, a soon-to-open Super Health Center, and thousands served through mobile clinics and barangay outreach initiatives.
Over ₱55 million in social aid was also distributed to the city’s most vulnerable sectors.
As she looks ahead to her second term, Mayor Yap laid out clear priorities that include the rollout of a City Health Care Card for families, the establishment of more teen centers in barangays, the launch of YAP or Youth Ang Paglaom —a family-based youth development initiative, and intensified green urban planning and climate resilience efforts.
She also emphasized strengthening partnerships with the Provincial Government of Bohol and neighboring towns through Metro Tagbilaran collaborations and further embedding citizen participation in decision-making activities.
In partnership with the City Council and the people of Tagbilaran, Mayor Yap disclosed key priorities that directly respond to the city’s growing needs. These include:
* road development and the opening of new routes to ease traffic congestion,
* greening initiatives and the creation of more pocket parks, and
* continued infrastructure upgrades across the city.
Mayor Yap also said that the city aims to bring services closer to residents through a “balay-to-balay” or house-to-house delivery of essential programs.
Similarly, health care access will be further improved through the establishment of the Super Mega Health Center, while investments in MICE tourism—meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions—will boost Tagbilaran’s position as a prime destination for events and business.
In addition, the city will focus on generating more jobs, strengthening the local economy, improving the education system, and enhancing garbage collection for a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
Mayor Yap concluded her speech with an expression of gratitude and a renewed call for unity. She thanked the people of Tagbilaran for their overwhelming support during the 2025 elections, which resulted in a 15-0 victory for the Asenso Pa More team.
“This landslide is not just a win for our team—it is a win for every Tagbilaranon who dreams of a better life,” she said.
The mayor also acknowledged her family and husband, Congressman-elect John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II, for their unwavering support. “Together, let us continue building a Tagbilaran where every family is nurtured, seen, and cared for.”
