THE City Government of Tagbilaran marked another milestone in participatory governance with the launching of the CSO CREED Academy held at the Tagbilaran City College (TCC) EdTech Building on October 11, 2025.
The CSO CREED Academy, which stands for Center for Responsive Citizen Engagement, Empowerment, and Development, is a flagship initiative of the Yap-Jala administration designed to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and strengthen their role in local governance, policy formulation, and program implementation.
A total of 25 CSO representatives or citizen-learners comprise the first batch of the academy.
The opening event gathered key city officials and partners in governance, including Hon. Jose Floro “Plong” Ringca, Chairman of the Committee on People Empowerment, CSO Accreditation, External Affairs, Special Affairs, and Public Information of the Sangguniang Panlungsod; Mr. Kim Anub, CSO Desk Officer; Ms. Marietta Gasatan, Chairperson of the Tagbilaran City People’s Council (TCPC); Ms. Cathyelyn Torremocha, Chief of Staff, representing Mayor Jane Yap; and Dr. Del Mark Cagatin, Administrator of Tagbilaran City College.
In her message delivered by Ms. Torremocha, Mayor Jane Yap stressed the importance of the academy in promoting inclusive governance.
“The CSO CREED Academy is a testament to our administration’s belief that progress is best achieved when citizens are directly involved in governance.
Through this program, we aim to equip our CSOs with the knowledge and skills to become effective partners in building a better Tagbilaran,” said Mayor Yap.
The launching of the CSO CREED Academy demonstrates the Yap-Jala administration’s continuing leadership in advancing transparency, accountability, and civic participation, in line with the city’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitment to uphold good governance through inclusive and participatory initiatives.
Through this program, Tagbilaran City continues to empower its citizens to play an active role in shaping policies and programs that contribute to sustainable and community-driven development.
