Administrative Profile

The City’s Vision-Mission Statement

Vision

We envision a God-centered, progressive, peaceful community, living in a sustained environment-friendly society fully utilizing developed infrastructures, and enjoying economic upliftment through self-reliance, in partnership with an empowered citizenry, governed by an effective and efficient City Government which is responsive to the needs of the people.

Mission

To deliver basic services efficiently and effectively with a high degree of professionalism; to ensure the political, social, cultural and economic upliftment for a better quality of life in a fair, just and humane society; and to secure the protection and conservation of the environment for sustainable development.

Key Goal

Our key goal is to make Tagbilaran “A fully developed, livable, tourist-friendly city with provisions of a wide range of services, facilities and access to employment opportunities of the residents.”

Strategy

Our strategy is to “Establish Tagbilaran City as a major entry point to the eco-cultural tourism of Bohol that provides tourist services and facilities through an effective and viable peace and order support and a strong private sector involvement.

The City Charter & its Foundation

Creation of the City. The City of Tagbilaran was chartered as a city on July 1, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4660 otherwise known as the Charter of the City of Tagbilaran.

The Charter Day. The Charter Day, July 1, is a non-working special public holiday for the City of Tagbilaran by virtue of Republic Act No. 8267 dated February 20, 1997.

Foundation Day. On February 9, 1742, Tagbilaran, which then a part of the Municipality of Baclayon, was decreed and made into a separate town by Governor-General Gaspar dela Torre. The official name of Tagbilaran then was San Jose de Tagbilaran, in honor of Saint Joseph the Worker, its patron saint.

City Fiesta. The Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, the city’s patron saint, is celebrated annually every May 1. Various activities are lined up like the Search for Miss Tagbilaran, the 9-day nightly entertainment at the ICM grounds, and many others.

City Seal, Flag and Symbols

City Seal. The seal of the city have the following symbols: Inscribed around the seal are the words “City of Tagbilaran, Official Seal”. The lower portion depicts the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi at Bool District. The top indicates the ship and the place where Legazpi landed and where the treaty of friendship was concluded on March 16, 1565. Furthermore, the seal signifies that the City of Tagbilaran is the City of Peace and Friendship.

City Flag. The official flag adopted for the City of Tagbilaran is lavender-colored with the city seal placed at the center.

Other City Symbols:
Official Tree – ACACIA, symbolizes the strength and endurance of the city.
Official Bird – TAMSI (Tailor Bird), stands for cooperation, freedom, warmth and camaraderie.
Official Flower – BOUGAINVILLEA, symbolizes the friendliness, hospitality, and dymamish of the Tagbilaranons.
City Fish – DANGGIT, symbolizes the Tagbilaranons resiliency and indomitable spirit.
Cultural Dance – KURADANG, symbolizes the gracefulness and artistic values of the Tagbilaranons.
City Plant – GOLDEN DURANTA, symbolizes the awareness and richness of city’s heritage and culture.

City Hymn and March

The Tagbilaran Hymn:

Awit sa Tagbilaran
(Composer: Late Ex-Municipal Mayor Honorio Grupo)

Maglipay ang TAGBILARANON
Ni-ining panahona

Kay kita nga daw mga igso-on
Ani-a naghi-usa

I-ampo ta sa kahitas-an
Nga unta magpadayon
Kining kabilin nga atong nasandan
Molungtad sa gihapon . . . . . .Oh!

Oh! TAGBILARAN
Lungsod namong sa gugma natingban

Oh! TAGBILARAN
Ikaw among giyukbo-an
Sa kasaysayan
Dili ka hikalimtan
Ug among ampingan
Ang mahal mong ngalan.

Tagbilaran March:
Tagbilaran sa Kahangturan
(Composer: Lt. Col. Alberto C. Cainglet)

I.
Minahal nga Tagbilaran
Atong pinangga nga Dakbayan
Sa lapyahan mo diha mahimugso
Sa kasaysayan sa sandugo
II. Ang lumolopyo mahigala-on
Halos tanan ma-abiabihon
Sa bala-od matinahuron
Ug sa dios ma-ampo-on.
Chorus: Tagbilaran, O’ Tagbilaran
Kang San Jose amo kang itugyan
Unta mahingpit ang imong katikaran
Tungod ug alang sa katawhan
III. Kalikupan ug buhilaman
Sa kanunay among ampingan
Kami nag-ampo ikaw kaloy-an
Sa kaugmaran alang sa tanan
Coda: Imo ang kalinaw, O Tagbilaran
Hangtod sa kahangturan