TAGBILARAN City once again proved its leadership in promoting people-centered and sustainable development after receiving multiple recognitions during the 2025 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards (RMSKPA) held on October 22, 2025, at Bayfront Hotel, Cebu City.
The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VII organized the annual event to recognize outstanding performance in the implementation of the Philippine Population and Development Program (PPDP) among local government units and population officers across Central Visayas.
Tagbilaran City was named 3rd Place Best Performing LGU (City Level) in the implementation of the PPDP, a testament to its continued commitment to integrating population management and development initiatives in local planning and governance.
This recognition highlights the city’s efforts under the administration of Mayor Jane Censoria Yap to ensure that programs on health, education, and family welfare contribute to inclusive growth and improved quality of life for Tagbilaranons.
Adding to the city’s pride, City Population and Development Officer Ms. Marjorie Torculas also received several individual distinctions.
She placed 2nd Place in the Best Performing Population and Development Officer (City Level) category for her effective implementation of the Adolescent Health and Development Strategy, which focuses on empowering young people through education, health services, and values formation. She was also awarded 3rd place in the same category for her strong advocacy in lobbying for policy support and integrating population and development strategies in government programs and projects.
In addition, Ms. Torculas received a Plaque of Recognition for her dedication and commitment to advancing the objectives of the PPDP.
The awards were received by City Administrator Alvin Luis Acuzar on behalf of Mayor Jane Yap and Ms. Torculas.
Mayor Yap expressed her appreciation for the recognition, emphasizing that it reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to make population and development programs responsive to the real needs of the people. “This achievement reflects our continuing efforts to make population and development programs truly responsive to the needs of our people. We will keep working to empower families, support our youth, and build a healthier, more inclusive Tagbilaran,” Mayor Yap said in her message.
The Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards honor the legacy of the late Rafael M. Salas, known as “Mr. Population,” who championed the integration of population management into development planning.
The recognitions earned by Tagbilaran City reaffirm its position as one of the leading local government units in Central Visayas in promoting the goals of the Philippine Population and Development Program and upholding the principles of inclusive growth, good governance, and social empowerment.
