OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)—Highlighting the culmination of the 93rd founding anniversary celebration of Misamis Occidental, the provincial government held the 1st Asenso Misamis Occidental Honors and Awards ceremonies at Bay Front Arena, Oroquieta City with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur C. Abalos Jr. as the guest of honor.

In his message, Secretary Abalos Jr. commended the honorees for their contribution and service.

“I would really like to thank you not only on behalf of Misamis but on behalf of our country. I know perseverance, hard work, patience, courage and bravery. Iba-iba ang field meron ang taga Misamis, may nasa police, PMA, sa military, sa entertainment, sa DICT, sa environment, health - all fields of governance. All fields of arts and culture na meron ding taga Misamis na naka tayo dito," he said.

(People from Misamis have different fields, some are in the police, Philippine Military Academy (PMA), military, entertainment, DICT, environment, health-all fields of governance. All fields of arts and culture we have are also here in Misamis)

DILG Secretary Abalos also shared the importance of having role models, especially for children to look up to.

“Nakatutunaw ng puso na ito yung mga bayani ng Misamis, ito yung mga icon ng lahat ng probinsya ng Pilipinas. Kaya nga ako ay masaya dahil hindi lang kayo ang idolo ngayon, what is important is our children, and our children's children too has the inspiration, inspiration to study, to work hard and to have the spirit of perseverance all the good deeds dahil nandyan kayo at yan ay tuloy-tuloy,” he further said.

(It melts our hearts that these are the heroes of Misamis, these are the icons of all the provinces of the Philippines. That's why I'm happy because you are not the only idol now, what is important is our children, and our children's children too have the inspiration, inspiration to study, to work hard and to have the spirit of perseverance all the good deeds because you are there and that is continuous.)

Meanwhile, Governor Henry Oaminal reported his accomplishments for the first five months of his administration.

“In the first five months of this administration, team Asenso leading to the goal of Asenso Misamis Occidental, we have put in place major programs and projects to achieve our vision. Our goal and mission: Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon (Misamisnon will live peacefully, progressively and happily),” he said.

During the program, Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office (MOCPPO) Director Marlon L. Quimno presented the accomplishments of the Police Provincial Office to SILG Abalos, symbolizing their commitment to attain the Department’s aim in ensuring public safety and peace and order in the country.

The successful campaign against loose firearms, wherein 39 short firearms were surrendered and 21 total firearms were deposited through Oplan Katok, a campaign where police officers visit firearm owners who failed to renew their gun's permits and licenses.

A total of 19 short weapons and two long weapons with the relentless efforts of MOCPPO personnel.

There were also seven persons arrested, five by search warrant, one person arrested during checkpoint operation, and one on possession of illegal firearms with the unwavering support of the Local Chief Executives and with the collaboration of the KASIMBAYANAN, which stands for “Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan''— a revitalized program that bridges the PNP, the general public, faith-based organizations, and key stakeholders towards peaceful, safe, and protected communities.

Governor Oaminal, Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez and First District Representative Jason Almonte led the awarding of the honorees to include graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy, Philippine Military Academy, and other outstanding Misamisnons.(SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)