Oaminal pushes stronger safety, development measures in Misamis Occidental

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal urged local government units, security forces, and community stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure peace, safety, and development across the province.

Speaking at the third quarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Misamis Occidental Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MOPADAC), Oaminal cited illegal drugs and the rising number of vehicular accidents as persistent challenges that must be addressed.

He underscored the importance of sustaining the province’s 5Ms Development Agenda, particularly the “Malinawon” component, which envisions Misamis Occidental as free from insurgency, crime, and drugs.

“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,” Oaminal said, as he reported the province’s recent socioeconomic gains.

Misamis Occidental has posted a 66.49 percent increase in locally sourced income year-on-year, placing it among the country’s top five provinces in this category. It now ranks fifth nationwide in per capita gross domestic product (GDP), 15th in overall development, fourth in economic growth in Mindanao, and ninth in total economy size. The province was also reclassified from second-class to first-class status.

The joint council meeting also tackled barangay drug-clearing operations, drug-free workplace programs, student safety, online child protection, and the alignment of the Provincial Security Plan with national priorities. The session concluded with recognition of the Philippine National Police’s anti-illegal drug operations.

The governor’s appeal comes on the heels of major strides in peace and security in Misamis Occidental. For nearly four decades, the province was considered a hotbed of insurgent activity. Last year, military and government officials officially declared Misamis Occidental insurgency-free, capping years of sustained peace initiatives under Oaminal’s administration.

Months before this declaration, Oaminal received the Gawad Parangal from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), recognizing his leadership in advancing peace and development. The award was presented during the task force’s sixth founding anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Under his administration, the province has pursued a whole-of-nation approach to governance, integrating social, economic, and security reforms consistent with the vision of “Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon” (Peaceful, Progressive, and Happy Misamisnon).

Oaminal earlier credited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for validating the success of the province’s anti-insurgency programs, which included rebel reintegration initiatives such as cash assistance and livelihood support.

“We remain grateful for the AFP’s recognition of our initiatives and for validating its success. Our objective now is to secure peace and order in our province, and see its positive effects reach our neighbors in the region,” Oaminal said.

With insurgency largely addressed, the governor emphasized that sustaining peace, curbing illegal drugs, and improving road safety are the next priorities to secure a stable foundation for long-term growth.* (RE)