Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday called on every citizen of Misamis Occidental to take collective responsibility for the province's continued progress, speaking before local officials and award recipients at the 4th Araw ng Parangal: Search for Outstanding Misamisnon held at the Oroquieta City Bayfront Arena, the Department of National Defense said.
The event, staged on November 4, 2026, as part of Misamis Occidental's 97th founding anniversary, recognized residents for leadership, professional accomplishments, public service, and contributions to the province.
Teodoro: Progress Is Everyone's Responsibility
Teodoro told attendees that development — or "asenso" — is not a fixed achievement but a continuing endeavor that demands cooperation, informed leadership, and active civic participation.
"So ang asenso hindi lang 'yan trabaho ng governor, hindi lang 'yan trabaho ng kung sino, trabaho ng lahat," Teodoro said.
The DND, in a statement released on November 4, said Teodoro emphasized that the gains made in peace and security must be preserved to allow development to continue. He also stressed the importance of protecting the country's natural resources, particularly maritime resources in the West Philippine Sea, for the benefit of future generations.
Challenge to the Youth on Technology and Climate
Teodoro used the occasion to challenge the province's younger generation to keep pace with advances in technology, infrastructure, environmental protection, and urban planning. He also called on them to actively address the growing challenges posed by climate change and disaster risks.
Congratulations Extended to Awardees
Closing his remarks, Teodoro congratulated the honorees recognized at the ceremony, saying events of this nature allow communities to identify role models and understand what is happening around them.
"Please accept our congratulations for your achievements. It's very important na magkaroon tayo ng mga araw na ganito so that we know what is happening in our communities and that we have people who we can make role models and serve as examples, of which all of you are," he told the awardees, according to the DND.
Provincial and Congressional Officials in Attendance
The ceremony was attended by Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal, Vice Governor Rowena L. Gutierrez, 1st District Representative Jason P. Almonte, and 2nd District Representative Sancho Fernando F. Oaminal. Also present were Asenso Pinoy Party-list Representative Henry F. Oaminal Jr. and Oroquieta City Mayor Lemuel Meyrick M. Acosta.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Department of National Defense