Agriculture is the backbone of the economic sector in Occidental Mindoro, and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) plays a vital role in driving the province’s agricultural development. In 2024, OPA implemented key programs that aimed to enhance crop productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers. The Rice Program provided essential seeds and resources to local farmers, despite challenges like typhoons, while the Corn Program successfully increased yields. Additionally, the OPA promoted the cultivation of high-value crops such as onions, garlic, and vegetables, as well as cassava, which is being introduced as an alternative crop for smallholder farmers.
OPA’s efforts extended to sustainable fisheries practices and organic farming, with over 400 hectares being dedicated to organic agriculture. The office also introduced modern farming technologies through the Demo Farms Program and the Farm Mechanization Program, which helped improve productivity and efficiency. These initiatives contribute to the overall economic growth of Occidental Mindoro, ensuring a stable and sustainable future for its communities.
The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Division (LEDIPD) of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has been instrumental in driving economic growth in Occidental Mindoro through its Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan Comprehensive Program. This program is designed to stimulate investment and support the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province. It is comprised of six major components: the Livelihood Assistance Program, Capacity Building Interventions, Economic Research, regular stakeholder meetings, marketing and investment promotions, and the Comprehensive Assistance for Rehabilitation of Enterprise Support (CARES) Program. The program has achieved notable success, including providing Php 25,000 in financial aid to 15 MSMEs and conducting workshop on financial literacy, disaster resiliency, and mobile photography.
In addition to these initiatives, the program has collaborated with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to conduct valuable economic research and has established a comprehensive MSME database to guide future actions. Marketing efforts have also proven successful, particularly through the Occidental Mindoro Pasalubong Center, which generated Php 537,763 in 2024. The program’s involvement in events like Philippine Food Expo has provided significant exposure to local MSMEs. Furthermore, the CARES Program has played a crucial role in supporting businesses such as Richbiltz Sweet and EMD food Products, with a Php 2.58 million fund allocated for further assistance. Through these efforts, the program continues to strengthen the local economy, providing valuable support to entrepreneurs and boosting the growth of MSMEs across the province.
Environment plays a crucial role in the sustainability and well-being of any region, and in 2024, the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) of Occidental Mindoro made remarkable strides in preserving and managing the province’s natural resources. One of the major accomplishments was the recognition of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) as the “Top Performing Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Board in the MIMAROPA Region.” ENRO also focused on conservation projects, including the operation of the Eco-Friendly Provincial Nurser in Sta.Cruz , which produced over 5,000 fruit-bearing and forest tree seedlings. Furthermore, the Tamaraw Month Celebration, held to raise awareness for the endangered Tamaraw species, was significant success, highlighting the importance of protecting local wildlife and promoting environmental education.
In addition to conservation efforts, ENRO undertook projects aimed at improving waste management and water quality monitoring. The office held regular meetings with local municipalities to address solid waste management issues and ensured the proper functioning of the Sanitary Landfill and Material Recovery Facility. ENRO also collaborated with DENR-EMB to assess the water quality of local rivers, such as the Calawagan River, ensuring they met environmental safety standard, Moreover, ENRO conducted successful tree planting and coastal clean-up activities to promote sustainability. With continued support, ENRO’s efforts are set to contribute to the long-term environmental health of Occidental Mindoro.
The Education Sector in Occidental Mindoro has seen significant progress in 2024 through the implementation of various programs aimed at enhancing access to education and supporting student in their academic pursuit. The Provincial Educational Assistance program was a major initiative, providing Php 3,085,570.00 to 531 students across 11 municipalities for the year 2024-2025 academic year. This financial assistance was distributed to 299 high school students and 232 college students, helping to ease the ensuring that students could continue their studies without worry. Additionally, the Educational Assistance to Medical Student Program specifically supported 10 medical students, providing Php 100,000.00 each to assist them in their journey to becoming healthcare professionals.
Another important program was the Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Edukasyon para sa kababaihan, which focused on empowering women through education. In December 2024, the program awarded educational assistance to 3,424 female beneficiaries, including 903 high school students and 2,521 college students. This initiative aimed to provide educational opportunities to women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and played a crucial role in fostering gender equality in education. Through these programs, the provincial government has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving educational access and supporting the academic growth of both students and women in Occidental Mindoro.
