MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)-- To uplift the standard of living in the province, the provincial government is aiming to bring down poverty incidence to single digits within the next four years.

Misamis Oriental Governor Peter M. Unabia said in his first state of the province address on January 12 that the poverty incidence among families in Misamis Oriental is at 19 percent, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data for 2021.

“To address the poverty incidence, we are working to raise the income of constituents through various interventions and initiatives through a whole-of-society approach anchored on the PAGLAUM development agenda. With our executive-legislative unity and purpose, it will undoubtedly pave the way to attaining various accomplishments,” he said.

Unabia reported that Misamis Oriental increased corn production by 16 percent, from 4.3 metric tons per hectare in 2022 to 5.0 metric tons per hectare in 2023. For rice production, there is a 15.4 percent increase from 3.9 metric tons in 2022 to 4.5 metric tons per hectare in 2023.

“The significant increase in rice and corn productivity has a direct correlation with the 100% support of crop inputs provided by our provincial government. It clearly shows that with proper and all-out support, we can increase the productivity of our commodities,” he said.

In collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and national agencies, Unabia said the provincial government will complete the implementation of the tourism enterprise, particularly key projects. This is to establish a self-sustaining operation while also facilitating the generation of employment.

Moreover, this endeavor aims to achieve an estimated annual net income of P16.5 million while simultaneously fostering the creation of 307 job opportunities.

This is on top of the incidental growth of local businesses in the area, which will also help in the creation of new job opportunities for the community.

The primary goal of this initiative is to establish a self-sustaining operation while also facilitating the generation of employment. It aims to generate an anticipated yearly net revenue of P16.5 million and 307 job opportunities at the same time.

In addition, the area's small enterprises are growing incidentally, which will aid in the establishment of new work prospects for the local population.

Moreover, the governor expressed his commitment to continuously push for development and strengthen the existing programs of the province.

“Let us continue to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and create an environment where every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can build a province that leaves no one behind, has plenty of opportunities for all, and is based on justice, equality, and compassion,” he said. (IJBD/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)