MISAMIS Oriental Gov. Juliette Uy on Tuesday, July 1, vowed to crack down on illegal mining in Manticao and Opol.
At the same time, she is exploring the possibility of legalizing mining operations in select towns to help boost local livelihoods.
In her inaugural address, Uy stressed the need for strong collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other agencies to tackle environmental issues stemming from mining.
Uy admitted the presence of illegal mining activities in Opol and Manticao.
“There are many issues, especially regarding mining in Opol and Manticao. We need to focus on these,” Uy said.
Uy requested additional time from the regional director as she appealed to “prevent conflict and violence over gold — because that’s all it’s about.”
“We should aim to make these operations legal because, when they are legal, there are no conflicts,” Uy said.
She explained that legalizing mining could ensure proper revenue collection and equitable sharing with local and provincial governments, ultimately benefiting residents.
Uy also highlighted her top priority: enhancing public service delivery across Misamis Oriental.
“We are one community — Misamisnons and Filipinos alike — with a shared aspiration for a prosperous Misamis Oriental. Politics should not divide us,” Uy said.
She pledged to support all residents regardless of political, religious or social backgrounds. Under her leadership, residents can expect a more inclusive governance approach.
On her first day in office, Uy urged local officials to prioritize the welfare of the people, aligning their efforts with the province’s development goals.
Her administration will also focus on health care, tourism, economic growth, environmental protection, agriculture, education and maintaining peace and order.
Uy will work with the private sector to keep medical services, medications and health facilities accessible in provincial hospitals.
She plans to team up with the Department of Tourism-Northern Mindanao to boost local tourism and showcase Misamis Oriental’s culinary delights.
Uy renewed her commitment to vulnerable groups with programs in education, livelihood and financial aid to uplift communities.
Her administration will boost farming with new farm-to-market roads, irrigation and infrastructure over the next three years.
As the second woman governor of Misamis Oriental, Uy stressed that unity is key to building an inclusive, transparent government.
“Without unity, our goals are difficult to achieve,” she said.
She called on everyone to remain loyal to shared objectives and committed to public service.
For Uy, the Capitol opening signals a new era of transparency, inclusion and open governance for Misamis Oriental.
