TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Global business services provider Sagility officially opened its new IT and business hub at the old Tagbilaran Airport on July 22, 2026, transforming the decommissioned airfield into a bustling employment center. The inauguration coincided with Bohol Day, marking a double celebration of heritage and economic progress.
From Runway to Business District
The former airport property, which once handled domestic flights before operations transferred to Panglao, has been redeveloped into a modern IT and new business district. Sagility’s arrival as an anchor locator signals the area’s successful transition from aviation infrastructure to a technology‑driven commercial zone. The facility is expected to attract more IT‑BPM companies to the growing hub.
Mayor Jane Yap described the transformation as a fulfillment of the city’s long‑held vision. She said the site is no longer just a memory of past arrivals and departures, but a gateway to employment for thousands of Boholanos. The project demonstrates how local government units can repurpose idle public assets into engines of growth.
Boholano First: Jobs for Local Talent
Central to the celebration was the “Boholano First” policy championed by city and provincial leaders. Mayor Yap stressed that the new jobs created by Sagility must benefit Boholanos first—fresh graduates, skilled professionals, and job seekers who previously had to leave home for work. The initiative aims to curb the outmigration of talent and keep families together.
Governor Aris Aumentado echoed this commitment, noting that economic development loses its meaning if local residents are sidelined. He said the province is actively working to ensure that every investment translates into direct opportunities for the Boholano workforce. Sagility’s hiring priorities align with this vision.
A Boon for Healthcare and IT Careers
Sagility specializes in healthcare business process management, offering roles for licensed medical professionals, IT specialists, and customer service personnel. The Bohol hub will tap into the island’s growing pool of college graduates, particularly from nursing and allied health programs. This convergence of healthcare expertise and technology positions Bohol as an emerging node in the global BPM industry.
The presence of a multinational firm like Sagility also raises the bar for local employment standards. Competitive salaries, career development programs, and a professional work environment are expected to elevate the quality of life for employees. The economic ripple effect will extend to housing, retail, and transport sectors in Tagbilaran.
High‑Level Support for a Historic Day
The inauguration drew key national and local figures. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. attended as guest speaker, praising the collaborative effort behind the project. Vice Governor Nick Balite joined the ceremony, emphasizing that Bohol Day 2026 will be remembered for more than cultural festivities—it marks a turning point in the province’s economic trajectory.
The simultaneous celebration of Bohol Day and Sagility’s opening reinforced the theme of progress rooted in identity. As the sun set on the old runway, the message was clear: Bohol is open for business, and its own people will reap the rewards first.
