TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — Gov. Imelda ‘Angging’ Quibranza Dimaporo delivered her State of the Province Address (SOPA) and highlighted the successful realization of Vision 2020 during the culmination program of the weeklong celebration of the 65th Araw ng Lanao del Norte.
The governor outlined the province’s key achievements and acknowledged the collective efforts of government officials, community leaders, and citizens in driving positive change during her tenure. In her last term, she emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance.
“I firmly believe that the people of Lanao del Norte have the right to know if we have fulfilled our promises to them. It is our responsibility to report to our constituents and ensure transparency in our leadership,” she said.
She also underscored the significance of sustainable development practices, inclusivity, and social welfare programs to ensure the well-being and prosperity of all residents, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sectors.
“Again, I am proud to announce that we have successfully fulfilled our promise and commitment to the people of Lanao del Norte through our Vision 2020 initiative. My hope is that through hard work and dedication, we will leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the province for years to come,” she added.
Vision 2020 key milestones
Dimaporo detailed key initiatives and projects that enhanced infrastructure, healthcare services, education, and economic opportunities within the province.
As of July 4, the concreting of 27 provincial road segments had already reached 99 percent, totaling 163.40 kilometers. To enhance safety and visibility, solar lights are being installed along these roads, and several drainage structures and flood control structures, including stone masonry, retaining walls, slope protection, and concrete-lined canals, have been constructed to ensure proper maintenance and road durability.
The Metro Iligan Regional Agro-Industrial Center Strategic Development Plan and Industry Locator Map were also launched to attract investments for agricultural modernization, job creation, and improving the quality of life in their communities.
The provincial government prioritized human resource development through training and seminars, provided transportation and benefits to provincial capitol employees to encourage dedication to work, and adopted digital solutions to stay relevant and succeed in the future.
The provincial government also collaborated with the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace, Reunification, and Unity to establish a 200-hectare resettlement area within Camp Bilal and neighboring barangays in Munai.
“This initiative aims to provide the necessary infrastructure, facilities, services, and livelihood opportunities to facilitate the reintegration of these returnees into mainstream society, ultimately promoting peace and stability in the province,” she said.
According to Dimaporo, the provincial government also prioritized social services by supporting senior citizens with healthcare and financial assistance, establishing a women’s center for victims of sexual abuse, protecting children, including those in conflict with the law, and providing financial aid for various needs such as burial support, education, medical assistance, and food aid.
Under the leadership of Dimaporo, the provincial government has prioritized healthcare services to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality care to all residents. This included expanding healthcare infrastructure, hiring more personnel, ensuring a steady supply of medicines, and addressing other critical needs.
Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they established the COVID laboratory. They have also opened dialysis facilities in Kapatagan Provincial Hospital and Lanao Norte Provincial Hospital (LNPH) to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to other nearby towns for treatment. Endoscopy, colonoscopy, and soon-to-be CT scan services at Kapatagan Provincial Hospital are among the health investments.
Additionally, their six provincial hospitals have generated significant income, surpassing this year’s targets, and they ranked first in Region 10 for outstanding No Balance Billing Compliance with PhilHealth. They also capacitated the healthcare workforce and established agreements with various medical specialists to use their facilities through training and professional development. Furthermore, they aim to convert LNPH into a general hospital under the Department of Health, which would receive increased funding for infrastructure, equipment, and staffing.
Moreover, the provincial government allocated a budget for new hospitals in Balo-i and Kolambugan towns and continues to provide essential services like immunization, vaccination, and prenatal care. Their achievements in health include national and regional awards for tuberculosis treatment success, 100 percent breastfeeding accomplishment, and being malaria and filarial-free.
The province also implements the Masaganang Ani Rice, Maisan, and Gulayan program, distributing a variety of seeds, fertilizers, and pest control solutions to farmers. Dimaporo shared that the province has won the National Rice Achievers Award in the Provincial Category for four consecutive years, achieving self-sufficiency in rice production at over 130 percent.
The province subsidizes input costs and operates its own provincial grain processing and corn processing centers, notably receiving the prestigious Category 3 designation for its rice processing system from PhilMech. This initiative reduced reliance on middlemen and increased farmer incomes. Also, the Department of Agriculture has recognized the Provincial Grains Processing Center as a top-performing facility among local government units nationwide.
Furthermore, efforts were made to improve livestock inventories through extensive artificial insemination to ensure food security. Additionally, support for cooperatives aimed to boost operational efficiency, stimulate growth, and contribute to provincial economic development.
Dimaporo also emphasized their commitment to education through various initiatives, including expanding classroom facilities across barangays with constructions like perimeter fences, multi-purpose buildings, and administration facilities. They also focused on securing land titles for school sites to facilitate infrastructure projects mandated by the Department of Education. Additionally, efforts were made to provide reading materials to enhance academic achievements and offer professional development opportunities for teachers across different specializations.
Working collaboratively with 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid and 2nd District Representative Sittie Aminah Dimaporo, the provincial government successfully led the construction of additional public schools and advocated for an increase in the number of teachers and classroom capacities. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
