President Marcos has asked the government units of Misamis Occidental to prevent terrorist groups and their supporters from coming back to the newly-declared insurgency-free province.
Marcos ordered the local government units (LGUs) of the province to further intensify their collaborations with agencies and other stakeholders in keeping their "hard-won gains" intact.
"I ask 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," Marcos said in his speech on Friday, Sept. 27.
He made the statement as he led the celebration of the province of Misamis Occidental’s newly-declared insurgency-free status in a ceremony in Tangub City on Friday.
Marcos further directed the local governments to "remain vigilant against the emerging threats that undermine our hard-won gains."
"Let us harness the power of peace to uplift this province, this region, and this nation to unparalleled heights. Let Misamis Occidental stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when we work for the greater good together," he told them.
In his speech, the President also highlighted the crucial role of development in achieving peace, adding that peace brings more opportunities for growth, investments, and social services for future generations.
"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. These things work hand-in-hand," he stressed.
Marcos cited the newly-inaugurated Panguil Bay Bridge—the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao connecting the municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Tangub City, Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao.
The Chief Executive underscored that "aggressive implementation of socioeconomic interventions by bringing investments in education, health, infrastructure, and livelihood helped prevent the recurrence of conflict here in Misamis Occidental."
From 2021 to 2023, 51 barangays were identified as recipients of the Barangay Development Programs, which Marcos tagged as an important and integral part of peace efforts.
As of September this year, 46 of those projects have been completed, while 17 are ongoing implementation.
According to Marcos, 44 of these projects are farm-to-market roads (FMRs), while two involve the construction and development of roads and bridges.
Nine projects focus on the improvement of water supply systems, and the remaining eight projects include health stations, rural electrification, and the rehabilitation of schools.
During the program, Marcos also received a resolution from the Provincial Government officially declaring the entire province as insurgency-free.
He also led the distribution of financial assistance to 10 former rebels through the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (Pamana) program of the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) - Region X.