Misamis Occidental @95: Celebrating Culture and Progress with Perangat Festival 2024
The 95th founding anniversary of the Province of Misamis Occidental will be commemorated this November, coinciding with this year’s 3rd Perangat Festival in Oroquieta City.
“PERANGAT” is a Subanen term that translates to "Pag-asenso" in Tagalog, meaning progression. The Perangat Festival (Feast of Progression) is the province’s annual celebration of the Subanen Tribe’s rich way of life, cultural beliefs, and traditions. This festivity also serves as a thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings in their communities.
The "Feast of Progression" aims to further cultivate a sense of cultural awareness among the people of Misamis Occidental, responding to the pressing need for greater appreciation and respect for the multicultural values of every Misamisnon.
This year’s festival is also aligned with the province’s vision of making Misamis Occidental one of the leading tourist destinations in Mindanao. The aim is to promote its top tourist spots, increase the number of tourists and excursionists, create additional cultural entertainment opportunities for locals, and enhance the quality of life for every Misamisnon.
All these goals are in line with the current administration’s development thrust— "ASENSO MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL"—which is inspired by the provincial government's 5-M mantra: Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon (Live Peacefully, Prosperously, and Happily).
Governor Henry S. Oaminal invites tourists and excursionists from all over the country to celebrate with Misamisnons during the 95th founding anniversary of Misamis Occidental, coinciding with the Perangat Festival 2024.
Under Governor Henry S. Oaminal’s leadership, Misamis Occidental has undergone a transformation through multi-billion peso infrastructure developments that have reshaped the province.
During his nine years as a Congressman, he secured national funding to implement a comprehensive infrastructure development plan for the province, resulting in 95% of roads across barangays, municipalities, and provincial areas now being fully concreted.
His efforts also played a pivotal role in the completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge, ensuring round-the-clock connectivity throughout Mindanao. Upgrades to the Ozamiz Airport and seaport have further enhanced regional access. Ozamiz Airport, the only one in Mindanao with five separate entry points, now benefits from new diversion routes that reduce congestion in the city center, offering travelers from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Misamis Occidental faster and more convenient access.
Peace and order were once significant barriers to development in Misamis Occidental, with Ozamiz City labeled the drug and organized crime capital of Mindanao due to the influence of the Kuratong Baleleng Gang. The province also faced a long-standing insurgency problem. These issues hampered the growth of Misamis Occidental, leaving it behind neighboring provinces and cities in terms of socio-economic development.
FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS/ACHIEVEMENTS
PEACE AND ORDER
Misamis Occidental was declared an Insurgency-Free province on October 7, 2024, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos in attendance. This achievement resulted from collaborative efforts to address the root causes of insurgency, including cash rewards of P500,000 for high-ranking rebels and P300,000 for rank-and-file members who surrendered. Additionally, 351 rescue and patrol vehicles were distributed to barangays to enhance emergency response and peacekeeping.
HEALTH
The new Asenso Misamis Occidental Medical Center, costing over P1 billion, will increase bed capacity from 150 to 500. Since July 2022, over 42,000 individuals have benefited from the free hospitalization program, totaling P186.5 million in medical services.
A major advancement in healthcare access is the newly opened Hemodialysis Unit at the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital, launched on October 25, 2024. With 31 machines, it can accommodate 93 patients daily and operates under the No Balance Billing Program, offering treatment completely free of charge, along with an additional P3,000 monthly medical assistance.
This unit significantly reduces the need for long-distance travel for treatment, enhancing the community's well-being and supporting the Asenso administration's commitment to quality, accessible healthcare and Universal Health Care aspirations.
TOURISM
Asenso Global Gardens, an eco-park at Mt. Malindang, offers stunning views and photo opportunities. The Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park (AMORAP), valued at over P600 million, features a variety of luxurious amenities, dubbed the "Maldives of Mindanao."
AGRICULTURE
The Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance Program provides free services to rice farmers, resulting in an average yield of 5.3 metric tons, surpassing the national average, after implementing various agricultural programs for the farmer-beneficiaries such as free fertilizers and land preparation for farmers' inputs assistance. The provincial government’s Asenso Rice Farmers Full Assistance aims to push sustainable self-food sufficiency levels by assisting farmers to grow their products and directly sell to the markets. This initiative allows farmers to also use free farm equipment and machinery which can lower the production cost.
EDUCATION
The Asenso Pamilya program supports over 6,000 college students, providing P25,000 per semester for tuition and expenses.
INFRASTRUCTURE
With P3.02 billion in provincial funds, significant infrastructure projects have been completed without borrowing. Governor Oaminal's efforts have upgraded 95% of local roads, totaling P27 billion in transportation infrastructure and public facilities for Misamisnons.
The provincial government has prepared a plethora of activities showcasing the best cultural depictions and heritage presentations of the province’s towns.
“We could expect a grand and more spectacular Perangat festival this year, and this will pave the way for the festival to invite contingents from various places in the country, by next year, in line with the provincial government’s direction of drawing more tourists in Misamis Occidental,” said Oaminal.
The governor stressed that festivals serve as “potent anchors for attaining significant tourism development” in certain areas. “Festivals always generate a myriad of economic activities in the form of food business, souvenirs, arts and crafts, and agri-trade. It provides economic opportunities to showcase local products,” he added.
Marking the start of this year's festive celebration, the Province of Misamis Occidental is set to celebrate its 95th anniversary with 14 vibrant events focused on culture, tourism, and community spirit, in line with the 5Ms development thrust: Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon.
The festivities begin with the Asenso Trade Fair on October 25, showcasing local products. The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental also launched the Baratong Bugas para sa Misamisnon (BBM) Asenso Rice Program during the Asenso Trade Fair in Oroquieta City from October 25 to November 9, allowing the purchase of five kilos of rice at only P43 per kilogram.
The main anniversary event kicks off on November 2 at 8:00 AM with the Opening Celebration and Inter-LGU Dance Competition at MOPAC, featuring welcome dances and guest speaker Senator Imee Marcos.
On November 3, the Asenso Mis. Occ. Marathon promotes sports tourism with various distances starting from Ozamiz City Hall. The 3rd Governor Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Festival follows on November 4-5 at AMOSACC.
Gabi ng Parangal on November 5 honors outstanding Misamisnons, and the Health Providers’ Summit on November 6 features notable guests. The 1st District Congressman’s Night that evening includes performances by Bamboo and The Juan.
Kasalan sa Kapitolyo on November 7 celebrates marriage with 120 couples. The inauguration of the GAD Center and community awareness campaigns will occur on November 8.
The celebrations culminate on November 9 with the 3rd Grand Perangat Festival, featuring street dancing and a float parade in Oroquieta City.
Come and experience the astonishing celebration of the history of our rich culture and the dazzling heritage of our people here in Misamis Occidental. The 95th anniversary celebration promises to be a memorable experience for all residents and visitors alike. (SN/PGMO)
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