By William Agda
Misamis Occidental has been officially reclassified as a 1st-class province, reflecting its economic growth and development under the leadership of Governor Henry S. Oaminal. The Department of Finance (DOF) announced the reclassification following a review of the province’s income levels, infrastructure, and public service improvements.
The reclassification signifies that Misamis Occidental has met the criteria for 1st-class provinces, which include average annual income, fiscal health, and capacity to deliver public services. This status allows the province to receive increased government funding for infrastructure, social programs, and economic initiatives.
Governor Oaminal attributed the milestone to the efforts of the provincial government and its “Asenso” program, which prioritizes infrastructure development, public service improvements, and economic diversification. Since assuming office in 2019, Oaminal’s administration has focused on projects such as road construction, flood control systems, healthcare enhancements, and educational facility improvements.
The new classification is expected to attract more investments and boost local industries, including agriculture, tourism, and trade. Initiatives supporting agribusiness ventures, improved farming techniques, and value-added agricultural production have been central to the province’s economic progress.
The DOF’s reclassification process involves a review of provincial performance, ensuring that regions are classified according to their economic standing. The announcement was made in December 2024, recognizing Misamis Occidental as one of the top-performing provinces in the country.
The shift to 1st-class status has practical implications for residents, as increased funding from the national government is expected to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Local officials and stakeholders have lauded the development, viewing it as a step toward sustained growth and improved quality of life for communities across the province.