President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed support for reviving the national steel mill industry in Northern Mindanao, highlighting its importance for the Philippines’ industrialization.

This comes after the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) pushes to revitalize the 500-hectare property formerly occupied by the National Steel Corp., with the aim of restoring Cagayan de Oro City’s status as the “industrial city of the South” and generating employment.

During a meeting with RDC-X members, Marcos said discussions are ongoing with local and international groups regarding potential partnerships to revive the steel mill.

“There are already discussions among certain groups, both foreign and local, that would ensure a partnership to revive the steel mill,” Marcos said.