Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor of Oriental Mindoro unveiled an ambitious slate of infrastructure and development projects aimed at boosting the province’s economic growth, enhancing public services, and improving the quality of life for Mindoreños.

The series of ceremonies featured projects ranging from multi-purpose facilities and modernized agricultural systems to tourism-centered attractions and healthcare advancements.

Sectoral Complex Inauguration
The centerpiece of the day’s events was the inauguration of the Oriental Mindoro Sectoral Complex in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Calapan City.

Designed as a haven for individuals in need of temporary accommodations, the complex consists of 14 multi-purpose buildings catering to diverse community sectors.

These include facilities for barangay health workers (BHWs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), teachers, farmers, fisherfolk, and other groups such as LGBTQ+ members, indigenous peoples, and senior citizens.

“May pasyente ka bang binabantayan? Kailangan mo ba ng matutulugan o paliguan? Sagot na ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ang pansamantalang tahanan mo,” Dolor said in a Facebook post, pointing out the project’s intent to provide safe and inclusive spaces for residents.

New BSP Headquarters and IT Park
The inauguration also featured the new headquarters of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Oriental Mindoro Council, designed at fostering youth development.

The governor expressed hope that the facility will serve as a cornerstone for strengthening the scouting movement in the province.

Simultaneously, Dolor announced the establishment of the Oriental Mindoro IT Park, a project in partnership with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Set to generate at least 1,000 jobs, the IT Park seeks to curb youth migration by providing local employment opportunities.

The launch was graced by Brian Poe of the FPJ Party List, which also has Dolor’s wife, Hiyas Dolor, among its nominees.

Agricultural Modernization
In an effort to modernize agriculture, Dolor inaugurated Oriental Mindoro’s first Rice Processing Center in Barangay Andres Ylagan, Naujan.

Dolor said the new facility will alleviate problems faced by farmers, particularly during the rainy season. It is designed to enhance rice production efficiency and is open for use by all farmers in the province.

“Ang Rice Processing System na ito ay malaki ang matutulong sa ating mga magsasaka,” Dolor said. “Patuloy nating niyayakap ang modernisasyon para mas mapaunlad pa ang ating sektor ng pagsasaka.”

On top of that project, Project BONZ (Building Opportunities through Organic Farming and Nurturing Zealous Aurelians) was introduced.

The project promotes sustainable farming techniques such as aquaponics and hydroponics.

“Bukas po tayo sa mga makabagong pamamaraan at ideya ng pagsasaka,” Dolor said.

Rural Infrastructure Development
The governor also unveiled road development projects, including the newly paved Loyal-San Gabriel-Victoria Road, a 1-kilometer stretch aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas.

“Ang kawalan ng matinong kalsada ang isang dahilan sa mabagal na pag-usad ng isang komunidad,” Dolor remarked, reiterating his administration’s commitment to infrastructure improvements in remote barangays.

Tourism Revitalization in Pinamalayan
In Pinamalayan, Dolor broke ground on the renovation of the Plaza of Pinamalayan, which will soon feature the Fontana del Gobernador, a landmark fountain poised to become a hub for tourism and recreation.

The revitalized plaza is designed to attract families and visitors while boosting local commerce in the second district.

“Ang plaza na ito ay magbibigay aliw at magiging sentro ng turismo,” Dolor said, citing the park’s role in reflecting the province’s progress and history.

Healthcare Accessibility Expanded
Healthcare was another focal point, with the inauguration of a new Hemodialysis Center at the Oriental Mindoro Central District Hospital (OMCDH) in Pinamalayan.

The center, the second in the province, offers free dialysis services and aims to alleviate the burden on patients traveling to Calapan City for treatment.

According to OMCDH officials, two patients have already undergone dialysis at the new facility, which will complement the first dialysis center that has treated nearly 5,000 patients.

The hospital’s ongoing expansion includes ICU, operating rooms, and maternity wards.

Agriculture Day Celebrations
The province yesterday celebrated Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Day 2024, during which P16 million worth of agricultural materials and tools were distributed to associations across the province.

Dolor reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector through both modernization and innovation.

Other Projects
Other milestones included the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Bansud Public Market, envisioned at modernizing the marketplace and reflecting the town’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, a 2nd District Equipment Pool was inaugurated in Bongabong to streamline access to provincial heavy equipment for infrastructure projects in southern Oriental Mindoro.

A Vision for a Progressive Mindoro
These series of projects, the governor said, manifest his vision of a province that embraces both tradition and innovation.

By investing in multi-purpose facilities, agricultural modernization, healthcare accessibility, and tourism revitalization, the governor said he wants to create opportunities for Mindoreños while preserving the province’s cultural heritage.

“Mula sa kalunsuran hanggang sa kalibliban, ang hangad natin ay maiparamdam ang kaunlaran sa bawat isa,” Dolor concluded, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth.