Building the Heart of Northern Mindanao: Metro Cagayan de Misamis and the Road to MAS ASENSO

COURTESY: SAYU/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental

A Vision Unveiled in OPOL, Misamis Oriental

The coastal town of **OPOL, Misamis Oriental** recently became the stage for a landmark announcement that could redefine the future of Northern Mindanao. During the 143rd full council meeting of the Regional Development Council on December 3, leaders gathered with a shared purpose: to propel the establishment of **Metro Cagayan de Misamis** forward. With the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park in Sinacaban serving as a serene backdrop, the atmosphere buzzed with optimism and determination.  

At the helm of this ambitious endeavor stands Opol Mayor **Jay Bago**, newly appointed to lead the Ad Hoc Committee for Metro Cagayan de Misamis. His commitment is clear — from envisioning a modern metro railway system to championing waste-to-energy projects and securing reliable water supply, Bago’s leadership promises transformative change. Moreover, he stressed the importance of transparent processes and collaborative planning to ensure that progress benefits every community under the Metro’s umbrella. 

MAS ASENSO — The Blueprint for Progress

This visionary project finds its roots in the **MAS ASENSO Northern Mindanao** framework, introduced by RDC Chair and Misamis Occidental Governor **Henry Oaminal**. The framework’s focus on modern governance, sustainable infrastructure, investment attraction, and skill development aligns seamlessly with the goals of Metro Cagayan de Misamis. By integrating innovative solutions with efficient land use, MAS ASENSO charts a clear and actionable path for inclusive regional growth.  

Transitioning from vision to action, Oaminal encouraged local leaders to submit prioritized projects for inclusion in the 2027 National Expenditure Program — an opportunity to secure long-term funding for regional transformation. As discussions ventured into agricultural value chain development, infrastructure rehabilitation, and youth mental health initiatives, it became clear that Metro Cagayan de Misamis is more than a physical space — it’s a living commitment to the people of Northern Mindanao. The seeds planted in OPOL during that December meeting are destined to grow into a metropolis that blends innovation with community spirit. 

The birth of Metro Cagayan de Misamis is not just a development milestone, but a testament to what unified leadership can achieve. With the guidance of MAS ASENSO and the passion of leaders like Jay Bago, Northern Mindanao is poised for an era of growth that is inclusive, transparent, and visionary.  

Enhancing Rural Connectivity: DPWH Paving Projects Transforming Communities

The Impact of DPWH Paving Projects on Rural Connectivity

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been diligently working on enhancing rural connectivity through various infrastructure projects across the country. One such project is the paving of a muddy access road in Barangay San Isidro Bajo, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental. This initiative underscores the commitment of the DPWH to link rural areas to essential public facilities, catering to the needs of local communities and fostering economic growth.

In a comprehensive report presented by DPWH Region 10 Director Lilibeth N. Aparecio to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, the substantial ₱94.56-million project aims to transform an 8.6-kilometer muddy road into a two-lane concrete road, significantly improving accessibility for farmers and daily road users. The key objective behind this infrastructure development is to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, irrespective of weather conditions, thereby enhancing overall road efficiency and safety standards.

By upgrading the existing infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, the DPWH is enabling communities to thrive by expanding access to key markets, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. This proactive approach to infrastructure development underscores the DPWH's unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in rural areas.

Harnessing Economic Opportunities Through Infrastructure Development

The ongoing paving project in Barangay San Isidro Bajo signifies more than just physical enhancements to the road network—it represents a gateway to economic opportunities and social progress. With the completion of this project nearing 98 percent, the local community is poised to experience a significant transformation in terms of agricultural productivity and improved mobility, paving the way for sustainable growth and development.

Director Aparecio's emphasis on the importance of making roads more accessible resonates with the broader goals of the DPWH in promoting inclusive growth and economic resilience. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, the DPWH is creating vital corridors that bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, facilitating the seamless movement of goods and services while unlocking the untapped potential of local economies.

By investing in infrastructure projects like the paving of the access road in Sinacaban, the DPWH is not only laying the groundwork for enhanced connectivity but also fostering an environment conducive to business expansion and job creation. This ripple effect of infrastructure development underscores the pivotal role that well-planned projects play in stimulating economic activity and empowering communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Collaborative Efforts and Sustainable Funding for Infrastructure Development

The successful implementation of the paving project in Barangay San Isidro Bajo exemplifies the collaborative efforts between the DPWH Misamis Occidental 2nd District Engineering Office and other stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of the project. By leveraging the expertise of dedicated professionals and fostering strong partnerships with local communities, the DPWH has been able to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful infrastructure solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the populace.

Funding for the ₱94.56-million project was secured through the 2024 General Appropriations Act, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to sustainable infrastructure development. This strategic allocation of resources reflects a proactive approach to investing in the future of rural communities, ensuring that vital infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and with the highest standards of quality and safety.

The DPWH's ability to secure sustainable funding for infrastructure initiatives not only highlights the government's prioritization of infrastructure development but also underscores a long-term vision for building resilient communities that can withstand the test of time. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in project financing, the DPWH is setting a benchmark for responsible governance and effective resource management in the realm of infrastructure development.

The Road Ahead: Sustaining Progress and Building Resilient Communities

As the paving project in Barangay San Isidro Bajo nears completion and prepares to be officially inaugurated, the DPWH's commitment to sustaining progress and building resilient communities remains unwavering. Beyond the physical transformation of the access road, the lasting impact of this initiative lies in the enduring benefits it will bring to the local populace—improved access to essential services, enhanced connectivity, and increased economic opportunities.

Looking ahead, the DPWH is poised to embark on a new phase of infrastructure development that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and adopting best practices in infrastructure planning and design, the DPWH aims to set a new standard for infrastructure development that is responsive to the evolving needs of society while mitigating environmental impact and promoting sustainable growth.

As the DPWH continues to pave the way for progress and prosperity in rural communities across the country, the transformative power of infrastructure development stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter future. Through a strategic combination of vision, dedication, and collaboration, the DPWH is shaping a landscape where every road leads to opportunity, every bridge connects to progress, and every community thrives in a world built on the foundations of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The DPWH's paving projects represent more than just concrete and asphalt—they embody a vision of progress, resilience, and shared prosperity that resonates with communities far and wide. By investing in the infrastructure that binds us together, the DPWH is not only building roads but also forging pathways to a future where every journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.