These achievements, alongside Governor Oaminal’s exemplary leadership, garnered him a standing ovation during his SOPA, reflecting the people’s appreciation for his outstanding accomplishments.-photo: Marco Maisug/PIO
OROQUIETA CITY —Governor Henry S. Oaminal of Misamis Occidental received a standing ovation and enthusiastic cheers from approximately12,000 residents during his impactful 2-hour and 23-minute speech at the Bayfront Arena. Dressed in his signature orange-inspired Barong, Governor Oaminal delivered his third State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Thursday.
Aside from the Bayfront Arena, residents also converged at Tangub City Gym, Ozamiz City Gym, Tudela Municipal Gym and at Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports Arena, to listen to the Governor’s public address.
A key highlight of his address was the announcement of significant accomplishments. He reported that his administration had distributed financial assistance to 28,169 beneficiaries, totaling ₱160.497 million.
He also shared the successful implementation of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), which has benefited 1,443 individuals with a budget of ₱19.48 million since 2022. Additionally, ₱909.7 million was allocated for social services during the same period.
In the health sector, the governor highlighted a monthly ₱1-million grant to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which helps residents access hospital care. He also emphasized the importance of improving roads connecting communities to city markets.
Governor Oaminal acknowledged the challenges faced in previous years, particularly issues related to peace, order, illegal drugs, and insurgency that hindered the province’s growth. On September 27, President Ferdinand Marcos officially declared Misamis Occidental an insurgency-free province and provided financial assistance to former rebels and their families. Areas once regarded as insurgent strongholds, such as Calamba, Sapang Dalaga, Concepcion, and Don Victoriano, are now on a path to recovery.
“The foundation of a progressive and happy society is peace,” the governor stated. “Our goal is for Misamis Occidental to be a drug-free, crime-free, and insurgency-free province.” He noted that out of 470 drug-affected barangays, 437 have been declared drug-cleared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police.
Under Governor Oaminal’s leadership, Misamis Occidental has experienced significant infrastructure development, with 90% of rural and urban roads concretized. This improvement facilitates better accessibility for farmers, fisherfolk, and their families from remote areas to central markets. The governor has led various projects, including road construction, bridge rehabilitation, and public building improvements, enhancing connectivity and quality of life for residents.
Healthcare initiatives have been a priority, leading to advancements in facilities and services that make critical care more accessible. Additionally, the governor’s agricultural and livelihood programs have supported farmers by promoting sustainable practices, increasing productivity, and providing livelihood opportunities, thereby boosting the agriculture sector and improving farmers’ incomes.
In education, Governor Oaminal has invested in school infrastructure and offered scholarships through the One Family One Professional (OFOP) program, benefiting around 6,000 students. His commitment to ensuring quality education contributes to a more skilled and educated workforce in the province.
Governor Oaminal’s dedication to good governance, transparency, and accountability has earned him commendations from various sectors for promoting integrity and ethical standards.
The administration has also actively promoted eco-tourism destinations, including the multi-million peso Asenso Global Garden in Barangay Hoyohoy, Tangub City, and the ₱1-billion Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aqua Marine Park (AMORAP), envisioned as the “Maldives of Mindanao.” Other highlighted attractions include the Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape, Sibucal Hot Spring, and Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park. This focus on tourism development has showcased the province’s natural beauty and biodiversity, resulting in a significant increase in tourist arrivals—20,131 from January to June this year, compared to the same period last year.
As farmer Bermudez Suganon Jr. from Plaridel town noted, “This is the first time farmers have received support from land preparation to post-harvest.
The governor sees and listens to us. The support we received has improved our production and the economic well-being of our families,” Suganon stressed.
These achievements, alongside Governor Oaminal’s exemplary leadership, garnered him a standing ovation during his SOPA, reflecting the people’s appreciation for his outstanding accomplishments.
About Editha Z. Caduaya
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
