From the Sidelines
By: Ray G. Talimio Jr.
The Regional Development Council-X (RDC-X) met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today to apprise him of completed and ongoing infrastructure and development initiatives across Region 10. Also known as Northern Mindanao, Region 10 has received the lion’s share of catalytic infrastructure investments in Mindanao, solidifying its standing as one of the most progressive regions in the country.
In 2024, the region posted a 6% growth in its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), surpassing the national GDP growth rate of 5.7%. It also breached the ₱1 trillion mark in total economic output, cementing its place as a major contributor to the Philippine economy.
Earlier in the day, President Marcos led the launching and turnover of agricultural support and farm machineries in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental—demonstrating the administration’s continued emphasis on rural productivity and agri-industrial empowerment.
Aside from infrastructure, the RDC-X raised with the President the pressing issues of teenage pregnancy and the underutilization of research and development (R&D) support in the region.
Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) identified poverty and lack of early childhood education on anatomy and sexuality as key drivers of the high teenage pregnancy rate.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara concurred and emphasized that Grade 5 would be the ideal level to begin formal instruction on human anatomy and sexuality in schools.
Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum acknowledged the low availment of national R&D funding in Region 10, particularly among state universities and colleges (SUCs). A side discussion with the Secretary suggested the urgent need to hold a series of forums to raise awareness among SUCs and research institutions on how to access these funds and translate them into innovation outputs.
To further enhance the region’s competitiveness and attract more foreign direct investments, RDC-X Economic Development Committee Co-Chairperson Ray Talimio Jr. proposed the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex. Restoring its original 1,200 MW capacity would be enough to power a potentially revived National Steel Corporation and the proposed Special Economic Zone in the Iligan City industrial corridor.
From the private sector, present during the meeting were Elpidio Paras, the overall RDC-X Co-Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee; Arsenio Sebastian, Co-Chairperson of the Macro Development Committee; and yours truly, Co-Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee.
From the local government sector, the meeting was attended by Governor Peter Unabia of Misamis Oriental, Governor Henry Oaminal of Misamis Occidental, Governor Oneal Roque of Bukidnon, Governor Xavier Jesus “XJ” Romualdo of Camiguin, and Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy of Cagayan de Oro City. Governor Imelda “Angging” Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte was represented by her Vice Governor, while Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao was represented by his Chief of Staff, Atty. Verne Padilla. Also present were Opol Mayor Jay Bago and his wife, Atty. Kristine Ravanera-Bago.
Following the RDC-X meeting, President Marcos also led the inauguration of the Balingoan Port Terminal and the Balingasag-FICCO Coconut Processing Plant. He also turned over ambulances to all provinces, municipalities, and cities of Region 10 during a ceremony at the Pelaez Sports Complex in Cagayan de Oro.
We are grateful to the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), the NEDA Region 10 family led by Regional Director Richardson Cua, Star Peñalosa, Algem Cuerquez, and Gelai Diasana, and to 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division Commander MGen. Michele Anayron Jr. for the meticulous coordination and warm hospitality extended to the Office of the President and the entire RDC-X delegation.
The day’s engagements showcased Region 10’s unique role in nation-building—not only as Mindanao’s economic powerhouse but as a model for convergence among national agencies, LGUs, and the private sector. If today’s momentum is sustained, Northern Mindanao is well on its way to becoming a true engine of growth for the entire country.
Photo credits: Ray G. Talimio Jr., NEDA Region X, Office of the President, PMS
Sources: RDC-X official notes, NEDA-X press brief, author’s documentation
Disclaimer: This article is written for public information and policy dialogue. The views expressed herein are the author’s own.
About the Author: Ray G. Talimio Jr. is Co-Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee of RDC-X, Chairman of the MSME Development Council of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City, and Chairman of BIMP-EAGA for Northern Mindanao. He writes regularly on governance, development, and public policy.
