CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. received a warm welcome from regional and local officials and development stakeholders in Northern Mindanao as he represented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the 145th Full Council Meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-10 and the 2026 State of the Region Address (SORA) on June 30 in Cagayan de Oro City.
The gathering highlighted the strong partnership between the national government and Northern Mindanao, with regional leaders expressing appreciation for the continued support and attention being given by Malacañang to the region’s development priorities.
Speaking on behalf of President Marcos, Lagdameo conveyed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Northern Mindanao remains at the forefront of the country’s economic transformation under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
The Palace official was welcomed by host RDC-10 Chairperson and Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal, Mindanao Development Authority chair Leo Tereso Magno along with Governors Khalid Dimaporo, Juliette Uy, and Rogelio Roque, local chief executives, government agency heads, business leaders, and development partners who gathered to assess the region’s accomplishments and discuss future growth strategies.
In his message, Lagdameo emphasized that the administration remains fully supportive of the region’s aspirations and is committed to delivering projects that will create jobs, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life of Northern Mindanaoans.
“The President has consistently emphasized that growth must be felt by ordinary Filipinos. Economic gains are meaningful only when they translate into greater opportunities for every family. That is the essence of Bagong Pilipinas—not simply building more, but building better lives,” Lagdameo said.
Lagdameo highlighted several transformative projects being pursued by the national government in the region, including the modernization of Laguindingan Airport, the nearing completion of Bukidnon Airport, the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex, the development of the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Port, and the planned Central Mindanao High Standard Highway.
Regional leaders welcomed these initiatives, recognizing their potential to strengthen Northern Mindanao’s position as a major investment, trade, tourism, and logistics hub in the country.
Throughout the event, Lagdameo underscored the importance of collaboration among local governments, national agencies, and the private sector, noting that sustainable progress can only be achieved through strong partnerships and shared goals.
The visit further reinforced Lagdameo’s role as one of the administration’s key links to local governments, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of communities are heard and translated into concrete programs and projects.
As the meeting concluded, Northern Mindanao officials reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Office of the President, while Lagdameo assured stakeholders that Malacañang remains steadfast in supporting the region’s continued growth and development.
His presence at the gathering was seen as a strong signal of the Marcos administration’s confidence in Northern Mindanao and its recognition of the region’s vital contribution to the country’s economic future.
