Glamour Hits the Shores: Misamis Occidental Steals the Spotlight in Miss Universe Philippines 2026!

COURTESY: PIA 10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Misamis Occidental will host selected preliminary activities of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant from April 21 to 26. The province jumps into action as a key partner, so locals and visitors gear up for an exciting week.

Beaches, Beauty, and Bold Moves

The province will serve as a host site for activities, including the swimsuit competition, official photoshoots, and video features highlighting local destinations. Governor Henry Oaminal said the event provides an opportunity to present the province’s tourism sites to a wider audience. He added that the swimsuit competition for our contestants will be held here, and our AMORAP (Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park) will be ready by that time. We will be opening this to the public.

Accommodations are also available in the cities of Ozamiz and Oroquieta, and nearby municipalities for visitors attending the event. Therefore, everyone can easily join the fun without hassle.

Public Power and Pageant Vibes

Voltaire Tayag, executive vice president of Miss Universe Philippines, said the collaboration includes staging preliminary activities in the province. He introduced a new point system that lets the public participate in the selection process. Voters may select candidates through the Maya application during the preliminary round. Consequently, the Top 10 candidates voted online will be announced in Misamis Occidental, while other finalists will be named during the coronation night in Manila.

The provincial government said preparations are ongoing for the scheduled activities as the pageant continues its pre-event programs. Thus, Misamis Occidental shines bright on the national stage, blending beauty with local pride. 

Oroquieta Just Leveled Up: Super Health Center Lands in Apil and Everyone’s Buzzing!

COURTESY: PIA 10

Yo, Barangay Apil crew—your life just got way easier! March 10 dropped the bomb: Oroquieta City’s brand-new Super Health Center is officially open. No more epic treks across town just for a check-up. Help is literally around the corner now.

Mayor Lemuel Meyrick Acosta is hyped. He calls it a game-changing move for health access. Think quick consultations, lab tests on the spot, prenatal care, kid vaccines, free meds for common sicknesses—all without the long commute. Prevention mode is also activated: regular screenings catch hypertension and diabetes early, plus solid health education so families stay ahead of trouble. “Safer community, stronger families, better lives,” he said. Facts.

This Place Is Next-Level Awesome

Forget basic RHU—this Super Health Center is a legit mini-polyclinic. Labs, X-ray, dialysis, full pharmacy, specialized services. It’s built to slash travel time and bring real healthcare to rural spots like Apil and nearby barangays.

Dr. Al Joseph J. Guantero, city health officer, summed it up perfectly: national gov, local leaders, and tireless healthcare workers teamed up to deliver more than a building—it’s care, prevention, and straight-up hope. DOH funds it, DPWH builds it, LGU gives the land. Classic collab win.

Oroquieta’s health game just went from good to. Apil residents, you’re eating good now!

Oroquieta’s Shining Future: Metro Central Mall Uptown to Open Its Doors Soon!

 

The bustling streets of *Brgy. Villaflor, Oroquieta City* are about to welcome a new heartbeat — the **Metro Central Mall Oroquieta Uptown**. *Malapit na ka Uswag Oroquieta.* Proud locals can finally say, *Magka Mall na gyud ta next year!* This grand opening, scheduled for **March 28, 2026**, promises to transform the city’s lifestyle, commerce, and leisure scene .  

A Haven for Shopping, Dining, and Services

Walking through the soon-to-open Metro Central Mall will be a sensory experience — lights gleaming from elegant storefronts, irresistible scents drifting from iconic food chains, and the vibrant hum of shoppers exploring endless options.  

**On the ground floor**, expect a marketplace of beloved brands and essential services. From browsing stylish finds at **Metro Shoppers Department Store** to stocking up at **SM Savemore**, convenience will be at your fingertips. Running errands becomes a breeze with **LBC**, **Palawan**, and health essentials from **Watson**. Craving something sweet? **Goldilocks**, **Red Ribbon**, and **Belgian Waffles** will be ready to delight. For hearty meals, enjoy favorites like **Mang Inasal**, **Chowking**, **McDonald’s**, and the mouthwatering roasted flavors of **Kenny Rogers Roasters**.  

More Than Just a Mall — A One-Stop Destination

Walking up to the **second floor**, the excitement rises. The Metro Central Mall doubles as a hub for civic services with offices like **PRC**, **LTO**, **DFA**, and **SSS**, ensuring your important tasks are handled in one convenient location. There’s also **Globe** for communication needs and **Cinema** for movie lovers craving blockbuster nights.  

For home and lifestyle shopping, **MR DIY 3rd Branch**, **Abenson**, **Ace Hardware**, and **Japan Home Centre** offer endless choices. Entertainment is at its peak with **Kidz Play Room**, **Foodcourt**, **WOF World of Fun**, and **Bingo Plus**. Knowledge seekers can browse **Pandayan Bookshop**, while gadget lovers can explore **Cellblitz** and **CellBoy**. And for those craving unique flavors, **EL Torogi** awaits with a feast.  

The soon-to-open Metro Central Mall Oroquieta Uptown is more than a building — it’s a symbol of progress. It invites every Oroquietanon to dream bigger while enjoying everyday convenience. *Mark your calendars — March 28, 2026 — and get ready to experience a new era in Oroquieta City!*  

Metamorphosis Within the Walls: A Story of Skills, Hope, and Empowerment in the Heart of Northern Mindanao

 

Source: DTI 10

   

In the quaint town of Mobod, nestled within the bustling city of Oroquieta, Northern Mindanao, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. Thirty individuals, termed as persons deprived of liberty (PDL), are being given a unique chance to acquire new skills, a chance that could potentially change the trajectory of their lives.

A partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Occidental and Oroquieta City Jail, facilitated through the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), has set the stage for this extraordinary venture. The initiative has been established with a noble objective: to equip these individuals with skills that can aid them in starting their own handicraft industry or secure employment upon their release.

The skills training embarked on teaching the art of Plastic Strap Bag/Basket Weaving Training—an initiative identified to provide work skills and earning opportunities for select PDL during their confinement. The craft, though seemingly simple, is an intricate process that requires a delicate balance of creativity, patience, and skill.

The trainers guiding the participants through this journey, Ms. Judith Oropa and Mr. Rosalito Cagatin, are more than just instructors—they are mentors helping to shape the future of these individuals. Their knowledge stretches beyond the conventional teaching of the craft, delving into the nuances of product features, raw materials, tools, and the expected number of hours required to complete a piece.

The crafting process begins with the cutting of materials. This initial step, though simple, sets the tone for the rest of the process. The participants are guided through a hands-on weaving experience, learning to weave the plastic straps into beautiful bags and baskets, products that can potentially change their lives.

The training goes beyond the mere creation of products. Participants are taught about product pricing—an essential skill for any potential business owner. The end result was a testament to the success of the training, with participants completing the weaving process and producing products that were of commendable quality.

Skills training initiatives such as this one are powerful tools in the fight against poverty and unemployment. They provide individuals with practical skills that can be used to generate income and improve their quality of life.

Upon their eventual release, these individuals will be equipped with the skills necessary to reintegrate into their communities. They will have the ability to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways, whether through starting their own businesses or finding gainful employment.

This initiative is more than just a skills training program—it is a beacon of hope for individuals who may have previously felt hopeless. It provides a pathway towards a better future, one where they can be productive members of their communities.

The success of this program is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite their circumstances, these individuals have shown a remarkable ability to learn, grow, and develop new skills.

With the success of this initiative, there is hope for more to come. As we look ahead, we envision a society where everyone is given the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.