Leaders of Regional Development Councils (RDCs) across Mindanao elected Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal as chairperson of the Regional Development Committee-Mindanao Area Committee (RDCOM-MAC) during the committee’s 41st Conference and Reorganization held recently in Davao City.
The two-day gathering, attended by RDC chairpersons and members from Mindanao’s regions, was convened at the Park Inn by Radisson to tackle interregional development priorities, organizational matters, and leadership transition for the next term.
During the reorganization, Governor Oaminal — who also serves as Chairperson of the Regional Development Council of Region X (Northern Mindanao) — was unanimously elected to lead the interregional body. Cotabato Governor Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza, Chairperson of RDC XII, was elected co-chairperson.
Oaminal’s election marks the first time a representative from Region X has been chosen to chair the RDCOM-MAC, underscoring Northern Mindanao’s growing role in shaping Mindanao-wide development strategies.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Oaminal emphasized the shared responsibility of Mindanao’s leaders in shaping the nation’s future, echoing a message from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “We heard the President say, the future of Mindanao is the hope of all the Philippines. Let us put that into action,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful to my fellow RDC chairpersons and members for the trust and confidence they have given me,” Oaminal added. “This is not just an honor for Region X, but a shared responsibility for all of Mindanao. As one island with diverse strengths and challenges, we must continue working together to turn our collective plans into lasting progress for our people.”
The governor also expressed his vision of expanding the Asenso development framework–from Asenso Misamis Occidental, to Mas Asenso Northern Mindanao, and ultimately toward One Asenso Mindanao, anchored on unity, peace, and shared prosperity.
The RDCOM-MAC serves as the coordinating body for interregional development planning in Mindanao. It aligns regional programs, addresses common socioeconomic and security challenges, and elevates policy and investment concerns to the national government.
The conference concluded with operational updates, the presentation of the committee’s 2023-2025 accomplishment report, and the adoption of priority directions under the newly elected officers, setting the tone for strengthened interregional cooperation in the years ahead.
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