Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines

Tagbilaran City, Bohol is within Region VII – Central Visayas, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Tagbilaran City

• As of the 2020 Census, Tagbilaran City had a population of 104,976.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 96,792, reflecting a steady growth rate driven by urban expansion and migration.
• Tagbilaran is historically home to the Ati people, one of the earliest inhabitants of Bohol. Though now a minority, their cultural legacy is honored through oral traditions and community rituals in upland barangays.
• The major dialect spoken is Boholano Cebuano, a variant of Cebuano with distinct phonetic and lexical features. While this dialect shapes local identity, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Tagbilaran City

• Tagbilaran City is located on the southwestern coast of Bohol Island in the Central Visayas Region (Region VII). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 9.65°N latitude and 123.85°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 36.50 square kilometers, with terrain that includes coastal plains, limestone hills, and river systems. It is shielded from southwest monsoons by Panglao Island and from northern winds by the Maribojoc mountain range.
• The Tagbilaran City Hall is located in Barangay Cogon, adjacent to Plaza Rizal and the historic Cathedral of San Jose.
• Most people reach Tagbilaran via sea and air. The Tagbilaran Port serves fast crafts and RORO ferries to Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao. The Bohol–Panglao International Airport, located about 30 minutes away, offers flights to Manila, Clark, and Davao.

Tourist Attractions of Tagbilaran City

• Blood Compact Shrine: A bronze monument commemorating the 1565 Sandugo between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi.
• Cathedral of San Jose: A Spanish-era church and diocesan seat, located at the heart of the city.
• Plaza Rizal: A landscaped civic space surrounded by heritage buildings and government offices.
• Carlos P. Garcia Heritage Museum: Dedicated to the life and legacy of Bohol’s most prominent statesman and former Philippine President.
• Sandugo Festival: Held every July, this month-long celebration reenacts the historic blood compact and features street dancing, cultural exhibitions, and civic parades.

Economy of Tagbilaran City

• Tagbilaran serves as the commercial and administrative center of Bohol Province. Its economy is driven by:
  • Retail and services: Malls, banks, and hospitality establishments cater to residents and tourists.
  • Tourism: The city is the gateway to Bohol’s natural attractions, including Panglao beaches and the Chocolate Hills.
  • Education and healthcare: Institutions and hospitals serve the province’s population.
  • Transport and logistics: The port and road networks support inter-island trade.
• In the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, Tagbilaran ranked 4th among component cities nationwide, placing 2nd in Government Efficiency, 6th in Infrastructure, and 8th in Innovation.

Educational Institutions of Tagbilaran City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Holy Name University (HNU): A Catholic private university offering programs in law, engineering, business, and health sciences.
  • University of Bohol (UB): The first university in Bohol, offering programs in criminology, maritime studies, nursing, and liberal arts.
  • Bohol Island State University (BISU): A public state university offering programs in agriculture, teacher education, engineering, and IT.
  • Bohol Wisdom School and BIT International College: Provide K–12 and tertiary education with technical and academic tracks.

History of Tagbilaran City

• Tagbilaran’s origins trace back to the pre-Hispanic settlement known as the “Bool Kingdom,” which engaged in trade with China and Malaysia. The name “Tagbilaran” is believed to derive from “Tagubila-an,” meaning “hidden” or “screened,” referencing its sheltered location behind Panglao Island.
• Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century, and the area became a pueblo under the Province of Bohol. The historic blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi was sealed in this region in 1565, symbolizing peace and cooperation.
• Tagbilaran was formally organized as a municipality on February 9, 1742. It remained under provincial jurisdiction until July 1, 1966, when it was converted into a chartered city through Republic Act No. 4660, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos.
• Today, Tagbilaran is known as the “City of Friendship,” a title reflecting its historical legacy and civic ethos. It serves as the gateway to Bohol’s natural and cultural wonders, balancing heritage with modern development.

Elected Officials of Tagbilaran City

• As of the 2025 elections, Tagbilaran City is led by:
  • Mayor: Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap
  • Vice Mayor: Adam Relson Jala
  • Representative (1st District of Bohol): John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II
  • City Councilors: Jose Esteban Timoteo Butalid, Mary Jane Ruiz, Odysseus Glovasa, Jonas Cacho, Fausto Budlong, Jose Floro Ringca, Malvin Misael Torralba, Eliezer Borja, Nerio Zamora II, and others as listed in the official city roster.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Tagbilaran City Election Results.

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