MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (October 1) — Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal has asked local government units, security forces, and community stakeholders to step up efforts to ensure the province’s peace, safety, and development.
During the third quarter joint meeting of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MOPADAC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Oaminal mentioned the increasing number of traffic accidents and illegal drugs as ongoing issues that need to be addressed.
He emphasized the necessity of upholding the province’s 5Ms Development Agenda, notably the “Malinawon” component, which envisions Misamis Occidental being free of insurgency, crime, and drugs.
Oaminal reported the province’s recent socioeconomic accomplishments, saying, “These are not just numbers — these are proof that our collective efforts through good governance and unified leadership are producing real, tangible results for our people.”
Misamis Occidental has seen a 66.49 percent gain in locally sourced income year on year, ranking among the top five provinces in the country. It now ranks fifth in the country in terms of per capita GDP, 15th in overall development, fourth in Mindanao’s economic growth, and ninth in total economy size. The province was also elevated from second-class to first-class standing.
The combined council meeting also discussed barangay drug-clearing operations, drug-free workplace programs, student safety, online child protection, and aligning the Provincial Security Plan with national priorities. The session ended with a recognition of the Philippine National Police’s anti-illegal drug initiatives.
The governor’s appeal follows significant gains in peace and security in Misamis Occidental. For nearly four decades, the province was known as the hub of insurgent activity. Last year, military and government officials pronounced the Misamis Occidental insurgency to be over, marking the end of years of concerted peace measures under Oaminal’s leadership.
Oaminal’s leadership in promoting peace and development was recognized months prior to this proclamation when the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) awarded him the Gawad Parangal.
The award was handed in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to commemorate the task force’s sixth anniversary.
Under his leadership, the province has taken a whole-of-nation approach to governance, incorporating social, economic, and security changes that align with the goal of “Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon” (Peaceful, Progressive, and Happy Misamisnon).
Prior to this, Oaminal gave appreciation to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for confirming the effectiveness of the province’s anti-insurgency efforts, which included measures to reintegrate rebels, such as livelihood support and financial aid.
“We remain grateful to the AFP for recognizing and validating our projects’ effectiveness. Our goal now is to restore peace and order in our province and see the beneficial consequences spread to our neighbors in the region,” Oaminal stated.
With the insurgency essentially resolved, the governor highlighted that maintaining peace, combating illegal drugs, and enhancing road safety are the next priority for establishing a solid foundation for long-term progress.
