MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL REPORTS HIGHER EMPLOYMENT, OVER ₱1.1-B IN FREE HOSPITALIZATION

via Bhal Abad Cabrera | November 4, 2026

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL — Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal highlighted improved employment, peace and security, and expanded access to healthcare in his fifth State of the Province Address on November 2, citing government programs aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.

Oaminal reported that the province’s employment rate climbed to 95.8% in 2025, up from 95.1% in 2024, as his administration continues efforts to expand job opportunities and support livelihood development.

The governor said employment programs must go beyond job creation and provide workers with sufficient income, skills development, and opportunities to build their future in the province.

“Leadership is not measured only by projects completed, budgets spent, or investments announced. Leadership is measured by the difference we make in the lives of our people,” Oaminal said.

He added that the provincial government would continue working with employers, training institutions, national agencies, and local government units to widen employment opportunities.

Oaminal also cited a Mindanao Development Authority assessment that placed Misamis Occidental among provinces with a high safety and security rating.

Figures presented during the address showed a 4.70-point increase in the province’s security rating and a crime rate of approximately five incidents per 100,000 population, described as one of the lowest in the region.

The governor said sustained peace and stability are necessary to attract investments and tourism, strengthen public confidence, and provide a safer environment for residents.

A major highlight of the address was the provincial government’s free hospitalization program at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Medical Center and other provincial government-managed hospitals.

Oaminal said medical expenses are covered through provincial government funds and partnerships with agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, PhilHealth, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Philippine Coconut Authority.

“Walay bayad ang pasyente, pero nag-income ang atong mga hospitals kay gibayran naman nato,” he said, explaining that patients receive medical services without direct payment while hospitals are reimbursed by the government.

As of September 2026, the program had assisted 213,487 patients, with more than ₱1.1 billion in medical expenses covered, according to the governor.

Oaminal said the initiatives reflect his administration’s goal of building a “malinawon, malambuon, ug malipayon nga Misamis Occidental,” while acknowledging that more work remains to ensure development reaches communities across the province.

The fifth State of the Province Address focused on employment, public safety, and healthcare as key areas of the provincial government’s development agenda.