Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday cited the “importance of collective responsibility, sustained development, and peace and security in advancing the progress” of Misamis Occidental.

Teodoro, the guest of honor for the program celebrating the province’s 97th anniversary, said “asenso” (progress) is not a stagnant concept but a continuing endeavor that requires cooperation, informed leadership, and the active participation of every citizen.

He noted that “asenso” does not rely only on the effort of the leaders but also on the communities, saying that “sustained development is a shared responsibility.”

Reflecting on Misamis Occidental’s transformation over the years, Teodoro highlighted the importance of preserving the gains in peace and security to ensure continued development.

He said sustaining internal peace and security is “essential in creating an environment where communities can prosper, and future generations can thrive.”

He also underscored the importance of safeguarding the country’s natural resources, particularly its maritime resources in the West Philippine Sea, for the benefit of future generations.

He also challenged the youth to share in efforts to help continue the province’s progress, emphasizing the need to keep pace with developments in technology, infrastructure, environmental protection, and urban planning, while addressing the challenges posed by climate change and disaster risks. (PNA)