OROQUIETA CITY – Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal delivered his fith State of the Province Address (SOPA) November 2, at the same time kicking off the 97th anniversary of the province.
The address highklighted the administration’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives in public safety, healthy care, education, social welfare, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and economic development.
For instance, Oaminal reported that 435 outr of 470 barangays in the province were already drug-cleared as of last year.
In the field of economic development, Oaminal announced to his constituents that based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, the poverty incidence in population of the province dove from 30.2 percent in 2023 to 11.2 percent in 2025 or a significant decrease of more than 19 percent.
Present during the SOPA were Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez, Reps. Jason Almonte, Sancho Fernando Oaminal and Henry Oaminal Jr. (Asenso Pinoy), board members, mayors of all three cities and 14 municipalities and barangay officials.
Capitol employees were present in another venue rendering simultaneous applause.
South Korean investors also guested the SOPA Monday morning at Bayfront Arena in Oroquieta City.
“Our employment rate increased from 95.1 percent in 2024 to 95.8 percent in 2025,” Oaminal continued. “But employment must mean more than having a job. It must mean earning enough to support a family, developing valuable skills and giving our young people reasons to build their futures here at home. We will continue working with employers, training institutions, national agencies and local governments to expand these opportunities.”
With Misamis Occidental having the lowest crime rate in the region at 5.18 per 100,000 people, Oaminal said “every Misamisnon deserves to feel safe in their home and community. These gains reinforce the importance of sustaining peace and order, protecting communities and ensuring a safer environment for all.”
The weeklong celebration includes the Asenso Food Fair, 7th ASEAN+ Individual Chess Championship, inauguration of the Asenso Misamis Occidental Medical Center, maiden voyage ceremony of the Plaridel-Tagbilaran fast craft and many more.
“As the province looks back on its progress, the work continues toward creating more opportunities and a better future for every Misamisnon,” Oaminal said.
