MisOcc gov to intensify agri-tourism sector

Governor Henry Oaminal Sr. (center) with his board members during his first State of the Province Address (SOPA), November 2, 2022 in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental. (Shaine Mae Nagtalon/PIA Misamis Occidental)

In his first State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, November 2, 2022, Governor Henry S. Oaminal Sr. shared that the goals for tourism and agriculture in Misamis Occidental are to attract more investors, to provide employment opportunities and to generate revenues.

“We crafted our vision which us Asenso Misamis Occidental: A tourism destination, agriculture and investment hub of Mindanao with God-loving, family-centered and empowered people living in a safe, secure and disaster-resilient environment with a sustainable economy led by competent and dynamic leaders,” he said.

Last September 30 to October 2, the provincial government of Misamis Occidental joined the 33rd Philippine Travel Mart in SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, the biggest one-stop Tourism and Travel Trade Exhibition showcasing and promoting quality tourism destinations and properties.

"Our province excelled in such a way that we were able to promote and market our potential tourist destinations and showcase our very own Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park (AMORAP), dubbed as the “Maldives of Mindanao, which we target to operate next year,” he said.

The provincial government also participated in the Mindanao Food Congress and Oro Best Expo 2022, October 27, held at Cagayan De Oro City.

"It is the longest running trade exposition in Mindanao and it aims to bridge the gaps in Mindanao’s food supply chain where we can formulate and recommend programs, strategies and policies which will strengthen and transform Mindanao agriculture,” he shared.

The governor is also set to make changes in the agriculture sector to help inspire farmers to produce more and attain agricultural productivity thereby improving their household income.

"We will ask the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development & Mechanization (PhilMec) - Department of Agriculture to transfer the management of these farm equipment to the provincial government and we will be the one to provide for the maintenance, gasoline as well as the salaries of the equipment operators," he said.

Second, "We will provide a free subsidy for fertilizers and farm inputs in partnership with our two congressmen, and third, if there is a need for us to intervene in the marketing of the produce, then we will do so to ensure that our farmers will get the price for their harvest," he added.

"There is no other way for us to move forward but to move together. Indeed, our greatest asset is not ourselves, but one another. There is nothing we cannot do if we move with a common goal," he said.

Meanwhile, to intensify education programs in the province, Governor Oaminal initiated Asenso Pamilya: One Family One Professional Program where the aim is that by 2026, more families in the province will have at least one gainfully employed professional to help uplift the family’s economic conditions.

The program includes free education and P6,000 allowance to 4,000 college students in Misamis Occidental.

“With the realization of One Family One Professional Program, we can help alleviate poverty in the province as we work to achieve that at least 90% of Misamisnons will live above the poverty line by 2026,” he explained.

Oaminal urged everyone for their continued collaboration, hardwork and synergy.

“We can all bear witness, as our beloved Misamis Occidental moves progressively to a more dynamic provincial government that will fully realize its vision and fulfill its mission to its constituents and stakeholders,” he emphasized.

His SOPA coincided with the province's 93rd founding anniversary. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)