MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) — “The experience of Misamis Occidental speaks volumes about the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency. Peace will neither be attainable nor sustainable without accompanying development,” Marcos said during his official declaration of the province as insurgency-free on September 27 in ceremonies held in Tangub City.
“It is our hope that through this administration’s programs and projects, we will sustain the stability, the peace, and the progress in the home of all those from Misamis Occidental,” he added.
The president urged the local government units of Misamis Occidental to intensify collaboration with various government agencies, partners, and other stakeholders to thwart any posturing or coming back of terrorist groups or any of their financiers or supporters may still be contemplating.
Meanwhile, Gov. Henry S. Oaminal stated that the province achieved the insurgency-free status though its strengthened socio-economic programs and services and a strong campaign of its vision 5Ms: “Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon (Misamisnon living peacefully, progressively, and happily).”
In support of former rebels, the governor announced the implementation of a cash reward system for rebel surrenderers, offering P500,000 to high-ranking CPP-NPA members and P300,000 to rank and file surrenderers.
Oaminalz added that the province has allocated more than a billion pesos worth for the construction of the Asenso Misamis Occidental Medical Center with a bed capacity of 500, as well as full assistance to rice farmers, from free seeds, fertilizers, and technical support.
“Through these efforts, our average rice yield increased from 4.6 metric tons per hectare to 5.3 metric tons, higher than the national yield of 4.9 metric tons,” he said.
The province has also implemented a scholarship program aiming to ensure at least one professional per family, dubbed Asenso Pamilya: One Family, One Professional Program. As a result, each scholar will receive a P25,000 allowance per semester. To date, the province has allocated this amount to more than 3,000 grantees.
“All these programs and projects contributed to the ending of the insurgency problem in our province,” the governor said. (JMOR/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
