THE City Government of Tagbilaran is moving to strengthen its cultural preservation framework following a two-day workshop that reviewed and proposed amendments to the city’s Heritage Conservation Ordinance.
Held on June 2–3, 2026 at JJ’s Seafood and Restaurant, the workshop revisited city Ordinance No. C-256 (2017) to address emerging conservation challenges and align local policy with updated national heritage laws.
The initiative was led by the City Tourism Office headed by Joseph Alexis Cadeliña and brought together local officials, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, cultural workers, and heritage advocates from both the provincial and national levels.
Representatives from the National Museum of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the People’s Council also participated in the policy review process.
Dr. Rosalinda Paredes and Marietta Gasatan facilitated the sessions, with resource persons Loucille Alcala-Dabhi and Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Lynneth Ibba providing technical inputs.
Central to the discussions was the alignment of the local ordinance with Republic Act No. 10066 (National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009) and Republic Act No. 11961 (Cultural Mapping Act of 2023), particularly provisions requiring local government units to undertake systematic cultural mapping and documentation of heritage assets.
Officials said the proposed revisions aim to enhance the city’s capacity to identify, document, protect, and promote cultural and historical sites amid ongoing urban development pressures.
Mayor Jane Yap emphasized the importance of integrating heritage preservation into the city’s broader development agenda.
“Our heritage is an important part of our identity as Tagbilaranons.
Strengthening our heritage conservation policies ensures that future generations will continue to appreciate the stories, traditions, and landmarks that shaped our city,” Yap said.
She added that heritage conservation remains closely linked to sustainable tourism, education, and community identity, noting its role in reinforcing local pride and economic development.
The draft amendments will undergo further refinement by the Sangguniang Panlungsod before being presented for public consultation.
The city government is targeting completion of the revised ordinance draft by July, with possible enactment by August.
Once approved, the updated ordinance is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for safeguarding Tagbilaran City’s cultural heritage while encouraging broader community participation in preservation efforts.
