FOR City Mayor John Geesnell “BABA” Yap, this is one of the most memorable Charter Day celebrations. Aside from being his last, it would also drumbeat the victory of his better-half, Mayor-elect Jane Yap.
The celebration was jumpstarted by a Thanksgiving Mass in the St. Joseph Cathedral. The Charter Day Program was held in the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium. All the elected officials with their spouses had a processional followed by the entrance of colors.
The roster was led by ABC President Hon. Mary Jane Ruiz and Mr. Joseph Bompat; Hon. Fausto Budlong and Luz Cristina Budlong; Hon. Gemma Inting and Bebiano Inting; Hon. Jonas Cacho and Charity Lee Cacho; Hon. Eliezer Borja and Charito Borja; Hon. Charles Cabalit and Rhea Paz Cabalit; Hon. Nerio Zamora III and Francina Zamora; Hon. Nicanor Besas and Pamela Tocmo Besas; Hon. Jose Esteban Timoteo Butalid and Maria Filomena Butalid; Hon. Odysseus Glovasa and Maureen Joyce Glovasa; Hon. Malvin Misael Torralba and Carmelina Torralba; Hon. Adam Relson Jala and Miss Bohol 2019 Celina Villoceno, and Hon. Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap and First Gentlemen and Former Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap II.
Prof. Joshibiah Gaa De Juan led the Tagbilaran City Government Chorale in the singing of hymns followed by an invocation by former SK Federated President Tom Cesar Vergara. Vice-mayor elect Atty. Adam Relson Jala delivered the welcome message. Cong. Edgar Chatto delivered an inspirational message followed by Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, and Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
The second part of the program witnessed the ceremonial oath taking of the newly elected officials with Cong. Kristine Alexie Besa Tutor, Cong. Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, Cong. Edgar Chatto, and Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado. After which, Mayor Jane Yap delivered her first-ever speech for the 56th Charter Day celebration, followed by the recognition of distinguished Tagbilaranons.
Mayor Jane stressed that #AsensoPaMore has become more than just a tagline for Tagbilaran City. “It has become a brand, a distinction of public service”. Thus, the lady mayor emphasized that it is just fitting to continue this legacy, inubanan sa iyang … GUGMA.”
The SERVICE AWARDS were employees in the City Government led by Artmarie Tolang; Efren Maslog; Gerardo Ordidor; Flora Israel; Evelyn Odtohan; Rogelio Baldapan; Oliver Galolo; Francisco Balabag; Precellano Bantingal; Israel Socrates; Efren Uguis; Virgilia Geñoso; Maria Lenita Torralba; Raul Cortes; Ma. Teresa Gasque; Antonio Hontanosas; Lolita Tabuno; Gloria Tigno, and Macrina Niza. A plaque of recognition was given to the faculty and staff of the Tagbilaran City College. This year’s special awards from the City Mayor’s Office were the Centenarian Award given to Alipia Balbin; Francisca Oracion, and Cornelia Salabsab. The Athletes of the Year Award was handed to Elisha Flor Maio Lubiano; Bernard Angelo Torres; Vanessa Sarno, and Jessel Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, and the Heroic Act Award went to P/SSgt. Krislam Baguil. The City Government also recognized the help and support of its partners and gave a plaque of appreciation to Joven Uy; Bohol Island State University; Holy Name University; University of Bohol; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; Diocese of Tagbilaran; SPARK Philippines; Pilipinas Shell Foundation; United States Agency for International Development (USAID); USAID-Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) Project; USAID-Opportunity 2.0; USAID-ReachHealth Project; Provincial Government of Bohol; Converge ICT Solutions; PLDT; Ibex Global Solutions Philippines; Globe Telecom; Smart Communications; Maya Philippines, and Copier Source Enterprises.
The City Treasurer’s Office singled out the 2022 Top 5 Business Renewal Taxes and Fees Taxpayer Citation led by Alturas Group of Companies; Toyota Tagbilaran City; Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines; Ibex Global Solutions Philippines, and Ramiro Community Hospital. The 2022 Top 5 Real Property Taxpayer Citation were Alturas Group of Companies, Bohol Quality Corporation and Quality Properties; TBC Realty Development and Management Corporation; Bohol Light Company Incorporated, and SPC Island Power Corporation. Plaques of Recognition were also given to the Heirs of Celestino M. Gallares; the Heirs of Cesaria Bustrillos Garcia/Holganza; the Heirs of Vicente Bustrillos; the Heirs of Eliseo Bustrillos; the Heirs of Antonio Bustrillos; Sofia Iyog, and PLtCol. Mary Crystal Peralta. Plaque of Gratitude was extended to Fernando Borja and Lucio Lim Jr. The Gift of Life-Heart Center Philippines Foundation got the Community Service Award. Three prominent Tagbilaranons were given the Distinguished Citizen Award, Mariano Uy; Teodorico Ramasola, and Most Rev. Alberto S. Uy, DD. A Special Plaque of Recognition were given to former city officials led by Mayor Yap; Vice-Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso; City Councilors Dulce Glovasa; Philipp Besas; Joseph Bompat; Agustinus Gonzaga, and Vicente Polinar. The night was splashed with colorful performances which made the night more memorable and special. (Jeanette Busano)
