Tagbilaran unveils tourism plan

MANILA, Philippines — Tourism anchored on cultural celebrations is what Tagbilaran City is now leaning on, as the government formally launched this year s Saulog celebration and unveiled its Tourism Development Plan, which aims to position the capital as the cultural gateway and economic heart of Bohol.

Speaking during the launch, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap said local festivals are no longer viewed solely as cultural celebrations but as strategic platforms for tourism-led growth that can generate employment, support small businesses, and strengthen the city s identity.

 Our focus is to strengthen tourism because tourism brings opportunities and livelihood to our people,  Yap said, noting that every visitor contributes directly to local vendors, transport workers, hotels, and creative communities.

The mayor cited Tagbilaran s recent Grand Championship win at the Sinulog Festival in Cebu as a reflection of the city s growing cultural appeal and creative excellence, which she said should be leveraged to attract more visitors and investments.

This year s Saulog celebration also coincides with the 461st anniversary of the historic Blood Compact of 1565, which Yap described as a reminder that Tagbilaran s identity has long been rooted in unity and shared purpose, values, she added, that are reflected in the city s tourism direction.

Among the new initiatives introduced this year is the use of real-time QR code surveys to collect feedback from both visitors and residents. Yap said the data gathered will help the city measure the cultural and economic impact of its festivals and improve future tourism programs.

 With the celebration of Saulog sa Tagbilaran mao ni ang atong opportunity nga makahatag og more tourists, jobs, and livelihood for the people of Tagbilaran,  she said.

The city government also officially presented the Tagbilaran Tourism Development Plan, led by Tourism Officer Alexis Cadeli a and the city tourism team. Anchored on the vision of  Climate-Resilient and Future-Ready Tourism,  the plan was crafted through consultations with local officials, tourism stakeholders, and community representatives.

The roadmap seeks to establish Tagbilaran as a destination where heritage, creativity, and innovation converge, while balancing visitor growth with community welfare and environmental sustainability.

Yap said the plan was developed after the city recognized that Tagbilaran is often merely passed through by tourists visiting other parts of Bohol.

 That is the reality. Being a city, limited kaayo ang atong natural resources na ma-offer. We cannot compete with Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River, and the tarsier sanctuary,  she said, adding that the city is working to build its own distinct tourism identity.

As part of this effort, the city plans to develop Friendship Park in Barangay Bool, including a mangrove plantation boardwalk designed by a hired architect. The city also aims to boost sports tourism through the Tagbilaran City Coliseum and the planned Tagbilaran Sports Complex.

The March 16 launch concluded with the presentation of the official Saulog Tagbilaran promotional video carrying the theme  One Family, One City,  underscoring the city s message of unity as it works to strengthen its tourism industry.

Yap said Saulog Tagbilaran 2026 is more than a festival, describing it as a statement of the city s direction toward inclusive growth, cultural pride, and a resilient, tourism-driven future.

Saulog sa Tagbilaran is a festival dedicated to the city s patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker. (CEBU NEWS)