ILOCOS Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc has welcomed top-ranked visitors from Misamis Oriental who came for a three-day benchmarking activity that ends today.
“We are an open book; whatever you need, whatever you need to know, or any questions you have, we are at your disposal. Please let us know,” Manotoc said as he greeted the visitors led by Gov. Peter Unabia.
The group included some mayors and provincial government officials.
The benchmarking event is expected to provide insights into how Ilocos Norte initiatives have helped improve the lives of the Ilokanos. The activity included discussions on agriculture, tourism, education, and employment and livelihood opportunities in the province.
Unabia expressed gratitude for the hospitality accorded them.
“On behalf of the mayors and the department heads of PGMO (provincial government of Misamis Oriental), 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 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 five percent.
