02/11/2025
๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ ๐ต๐ฒ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐ ๐ข๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น
Misamis Occidental, located in the northern region of Mindanao, is a province steeped in rich history, cultural diversity, and transformative milestones that have shaped its vibrant identity. With breathtaking landscapes, resilient communities, and deep-rooted traditions, the province offers not only a glimpse into its storied past but also a compelling narrative of strength, unity, and hope for the future.
The province was officially established through Legislative Act No. 3537, signed into law on November 2, 1929, by then Governor-General of the Philippines, Dwight F. Davis. This act marked the formal division of the long-standing Misamis Province into two distinct provinces: Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental.
Misamis Occidental initially comprised nine municipalitiesโBaliangao, Lopez Jaena, Tudela, Clarin, Plaridel, Oroquieta, Aloran, Jimenez, and Misamis. Over time, these towns evolved into the present-day three cities of Ozamiz, Oroquieta, and Tangub, and expanded into 14 municipalities: Aloran, Baliangao, Bonifacio, Calamba, Clarin, Concepcion, Don Victoriano, Jimenez, Lopez Jaena, Panaon, Plaridel, Sapang Dalaga, Sinacaban, and Tudela.
On January 6, 1930, the provincial council designated Oroquieta as the capital town (cabecera) of Misamis Occidental. This strategic decision would later prove historically significant, as Oroquieta played a heroic role during pivotal moments in Philippine history, particularly during World War II.
Senator Josรฉ Ozรกmiz y Fortich was appointed as the first provincial governor, serving from 1929 to 1931. His leadership extended beyond the provincial levelโhe was elected as the representative of the Lone District of Misamis Occidental from 1931 to 1941. A staunch advocate for national development, Ozรกmiz was a delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention, which led to the drafting of the 1935 Constitution for the Philippine Commonwealth Government. In 1941, he was elected to the Philippine Senate. However, his senatorial term was tragically cut short due to the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II. Don Josรฉ Ozรกmiz, a patriot and resistance leader, was executed before he could assume office, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice that continues to inspire generations.
Today, under the leadership of ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐๐๐. ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ. ๐ข๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐น, Misamis Occidental, has transformed from being one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines to ranking 15th out of 82 provinces as one of the fastest-growing economies in 2024.
Since assuming office on July 1, 2022, Governor Oaminal has implemented a wide range of transformative programs, projects, and activities anchored on his visionary 5Ms Development Thrust, a reform agenda he consistently upholds in public service. These flagship initiatives have significantly improved the quality of life for Misamisnons and accelerated the provinceโs development across multiple sectors.
As the province continues to move forward, the legacy of the Asenso Misamis Occidental movement stands as a beacon of hope and progress. It is a clear message that with strong leadership, collaborative governance, and people-centered policies, even the most underserved communities can rise, thrive, and lead.
Indeed, Misamis Occidental is no longer just a province with potentialโit is now a ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐, ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ฒ.
๐ขAdmin: mc
