Mountain Province sees steady progress

BONTOC, Mountain Province — Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. on Monday appealed for continued unity among residents as he outlined his administration’s socio-economic goals for the remainder of his term during the 2026 State of the Province Address.

In his SOPA delivered on 26 January 2026, themed “Empowering Communities, Connecting Mountains, Building the Future,” Lacwasan highlighted efforts to modernize the provincial economy while addressing the geographic challenges of the Cordillera region. He presented a fiscal and development roadmap centered on infrastructure, agricultural productivity and public safety.

The governor reported notable gains in administrative governance, citing several national and regional awards received in 2025, including the PhALGA Excellence Award and the Good Financial Housekeeping certification, as well as health-related recognitions for immunization and family planning programs. He attributed these achievements to the completion of the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan, which aligned the provincial budget with updated investment programs.

Infrastructure development remained a top priority, with more than P266 million allocated under the 20 percent Development Fund. Among the key projects cited were the P287-million Malamtam–Bitabit–Catao Farm-to-Market Road and Bridge funded under the Philippine Rural Development Project, a P328-million multi-level parking facility aimed at easing traffic congestion, and P171.98 million worth of peace-related infrastructure supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

Lacwasan said the provincial government also spent more than P31 million on irrigation systems, modern equipment and farm inputs such as fertilizers and seeds. Partnerships with the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration, he noted, helped improve land tenure security and farmer incomes, while enhancing food security and easing the transport of goods from remote highland farms to local markets.

On disaster resilience, the governor reported that over P100 million was allocated for risk reduction and rehabilitation projects following recent typhoons and fires. He said early warning systems have been expanded to all barangays and evacuation centers remain equipped and operational.

In terms of security, Lacwasan said Mountain Province has maintained a stable peace and order situation, with no monitored terrorist activity since 2023. He added that the province has earned national recognition for its reintegration programs for former rebels.

The governor ended his address by committing to future investments in digital governance, eco-tourism, and expanded social services for youth and indigenous communities.