The province of Misamis Occidental on Thursday announced its poverty incidence rate has reduced in the first half of the year.

Citing the Philippine Statistics Authority, Governor Henry Oaminal said the recent poverty incidence rate is down to 18.30 percent.

“(This recent rate is) the highest significant improvement in poverty incidence among families,” Oaminal said in a statement.

Oaminal noted that the current rate is more than half lower compared in 2018 which was 32.7 percent and in 2021 with 23.3 percent, which relegated Misamis Occidental to the list of the country’s poorest provinces at the time.

Oaminal presided over the third quarter meeting of different provincial councils focusing on peace and order, disaster response, and the environment.

The governor attributed the poverty reduction to the programs of the provincial government in partnership with national agencies.

Oaminal said with the improved law enforcement, it encouraged the growth of economic activities and work opportunities.

He also said public infrastructure “heavily contributed” to the province’s development.

“We gave more attention to the improvement of our roads,” Oaminal said, citing that 95 percent of the province’s road network was concreted even during his three terms as congressman. (PNA)

Photo credit: Facebook/Gov.HenrySOaminal.Official