City Population Office Borongan

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 (𝐆𝐀𝐃) 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆-𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏

In line with our commitment to promoting gender equality, safe spaces, and inclusive community development, we are pleased to conduct the:
“Gender and Development Strategic Planning-Workshop cm Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), Safe Spaces, and Gender Mainstreaming Competency Enhancement”

Theme:�“A Catalyst for Change: Strengthened by the Anti-Violence Against Women, Safe Spaces Act and Magna Carta of Women, Forged by Equality, and Driven by Community Development.”

📍 Venue: Ciriaco Hotel, Calbayog City�📅 Date: May 19–22, 2026
📌 Register through this link: https://forms.gle/H1hUuSYmmpfgp3gs9

Together, let us strengthen our commitment to gender-responsive governance, women empowerment, safe communities, and sustainable development.

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Happy Birthday City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda. Our office extends its best wishes for your continued good health, insightful vision, and effective leadership in the years ahead.

Mark Lucio S. Cortado Jr., City Population Officer of Borongan, participated in the Geological Conference held at Solaire Resort North, Quezon City from December 2 to 4, 2025. His attendance aimed to explore potential scientific research collaborations in promoting the geological heritage of Borongan City to the officials and members of the Geological Society of the Philippines.

The conference included both plenary and breakout sessions, during which Mr. Cortado emphasized the significance of the Biri Rocks Formation in the Municipality of Biri, Northern Samar, recently recognized as the seventh geological wonder of the Philippines.

He expressed appreciation for the researchers and geologists whose commitment was crucial to this achievement. Furthermore, he highlighted the need to extend similar scientific research to Borongan City, which also possesses untapped geological wonders.

Photos courtesy from: Provincial Government of Northern Samar

The Sangguniang Panglungsod Committee on Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, chaired by SPM Rozene Daza and joined by committee members SPM Katrina Anacta-Sadac, SPM Lyra Gel Limbauan-Devora, and Liga ng mga Barangay President Cheney A. Ibarbia, held a meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the SP Session Hall. The primary agenda was to deliberate on the proposed ordinance that designates the Borongan Hymn as the official hymn of the City of Borongan, which would mandate the City Government to perform the hymn during flag ceremonies, official events, and other suitable public gatherings.

The committee engaged with several invited resource persons, including Atty. Celestino Cabato, the City Legal Officer; Mark Lucio Cortado, Head of the Cultural Heritage Unit; hymn writer Floro C. Gade Jr.; musical composer Rodolfo Ballena Jr.; and Mr. Jacob Loste, a representative from the City Human Resource Management Office, who provided insights and addressed the committee's inquiries.

This ordinance aims to foster a inspiring patriotism, cultural identity, and unity through a musical piece that embodies the essence of the Borongan Local Government. This song, which debuted at the 2025 City Charter Day Grand Ball, will be played at public events after the Philippine National Anthem if ordinance is enacted. This initiative represents a powerful emblem of local identity and a shared community spirit.

Photo courtesy from: SPM Katrina Anacta Sadac

Henry T. Regañon, a 56-year-old designated Population Officer in the Municipality of Biliran, Province of Biliran, Eastern Visayas, passed away yesterday due to heart failure. He served as the executive officer of the Regional Population Officer and Workers 8 (RAPOW-8) Inc. In recognition of his service, the organization's officers, led by President Mark Lucio S. Cortado Jr., Vice President Melchora E. Cawile, Auditor Hedeliza Ramos, and Business Manager Rodel Catapal, visited his wake in San Roque, Biliran. They provided financial assistance, funeral wreath, and presented a posthumous certificate to honor Regañon’s years of dedicated service to population development programs and his unwavering commitment to the organization. Thank you for your dedicated service and contribution to population programs.

The Gender and Development Summit took place from February 25 to 27, 2026, at the Iloilo Grand Hotel and GT Hotel in Iloilo City, centered around the theme of integrating population, youth, health, environment, education, agriculture, and heritage issues into gender mainstreaming efforts, drawing from the Iloilo experience.

The event saw participation from officials and personnel of the Municipal and Barangay levels, including department heads from Giporlos, Can-avid, Arteche, Maydolong, Lawaan, and the City of Borongan. Organized by the Regional Association of Population Officers and Workers 8, the activity was co-presented by the Provincial Government of Iloilo, with technical support from various offices, including the Provincial GAD Office, Population Office, Youth Development Office, General Services Office, and the City Government of Iloilo through the MICE Center and GAD Office.

The opening day featured a ceremony that included remarks from Iloilo Youth Development Officer Ms. Sheila Mae "Mimi" Tuares, representing Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., followed by a keynote address from Rosemarie Rafael, Commissioner from the Philippine Commission on Women, who traveled from Manila to attend. The day continued with nine plenary sessions led by a diverse group of national and regional trainers, including Dr. Marieta B. Sumagaysay, Don V. Liongson, Charlo Costales from the Mabalacat PopGAD Office, Alma Ravena from the Iloilo GAD Office, Don F. Sasu of Iloilo PSWDO, and from the Maria Shalene Hidalgo, Chief Development Management Officer, Iloilo Provincial Population Office.

On the second day, participants engaged in five breakaway sessions tailored to address specific capacity needs, covering topics such as GAD planning and budgeting; GAD sensitivity training and focal point system duties and functionality; GAD agenda formulation; strategic programs and policies; and the intersection of heritage, gastronomy, and gender issues.

The resource persons for the breakout sessions included a diverse group of experts: Independent GAD Specialist Don V. Lionson, Professor Marieta Sumagaysay from University of the Philippines-Tacloban Campus, Charlo Costales- the City Government Department Head 1 of the Mabalacat City Population GAD Office, Retired Police Superintendent Cecelia R. Detablan from Atip Network, Ms. Mary Anne Ramos of the Iloilo City GAD Office, National President Junmar C. Gonzales of FLEPOWPHIL, and Danah Julez Nilay, DMO II from Iloilo City.

The summit concluded on the final day with a study tour of various government offices, GAD implementing agencies, Teen center, women's organizations supporting GAD mechanisms, as well as museums and heritage sites.

Join Us at the Gender and Development Summit 2026!

📅 When: February 25-27, 2026�📍 Where: Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City.

Be part of a dynamic discussion on “Integrating Population, Youth, Health, Environment, Education, Agriculture, and Heritage Issues into Gender Mainstreaming Efforts: The Iloilo Experience.”

This summit is a unique opportunity to share insights, learn best practices, and contribute to advancing gender-responsive policies and programs across sectors.
🔗 Register now by scanning the QR code or clicking the link! Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of meaningful change.

https://forms.gle/NKQVqd197qusSca1A

We are pleased to invite you to the CREATIVE INDUSTRY EXHIBIT, an event showcasing a curated selection of Borongan-made products that highlight the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship of our local entrepreneurs and artisans. This exhibit aims to inspire and encourage the development of sustainable livelihood or business opportunities for families within our community.

In addition, we will also have LIBRE SAKAY registration..
Guest will also have the opportunity to win a complimentary mini PAINTING created by Borongan’s local artists, along with select PRODUCTS from our participating exhibitors.

We warmly welcome you to visit and participate in this special event at Hamorawon Park, Borongan City, on December 9–13, 2025.

SEE YOU THERE

Exploring a potential collaboration on the cultural mapping of Borongan's flora and fauna involves discussions with Dean Marlo Mendoza, the Dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources and former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with Borongan City Population Officer Mark Lucio S. Cortado, Jr., the in-charge of Cultural Heritage Unit. This initiative also includes input from College Secretary Rosalie Mendoza and an undergraduate researcher from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in Laguna