Ilocos Norte welcomes Misamis Oriental delegates for benchmarking activity

"Open book po kami – whatever you need, whatever you need to know, or any questions you have, we are at your disposal. Please let us know," remarked Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc as he welcomed visitors from the Province of Misamis Oriental, led by Governor Peter “Sr. Pedro” Unabia.

Officials from the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO) and several mayors from the province are participating in a benchmarking activity in Ilocos Norte from July 31 to August 3, 2024.

This collaboration is expected to provide insights into how PGIN initiatives have helped improve the lives of the Ilokanos. The activity includes discussions on agriculture, tourism, education, and employment and livelihood opportunities in Ilocos Norte.

Gov. Marcos Manotoc and the department heads of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) welcomed the delegates. He expressed his gratitude for choosing Ilocos Norte for their undertaking, saying:

“We warmly, enthusiastically, and sincerely welcome you all. Thank you for choosing Ilocos Norte and we hope you truly enjoy what our province has to offer.”

Meanwhile, Governor Unabia of Misamis Oriental thanked PGIN for their hospitality, stating:

“On behalf of the mayors and the department heads of PGMO, I would like to express our appreciation for welcoming us. We’re here for one purpose – for our cause, for our fight against poverty.”

“This [poverty incidence rate of Ilocos Norte] is a challenge for us, my dear department heads and mayors," he added.

For 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that Ilocos Norte has the lowest poverty incidence in the country, at only 0.5%.

After the welcome program, PGMO department heads met with PGIN counterparts to share and discuss specific programs they can adapt. Both provinces are committed to continuing the collaboration and ensuring that new ideas will be implemented to foster economic growth and reduce poverty.