MISAMIS ORIENTAL — El Salvador City is gearing up for a major boost this year, with at least 19 national government regional offices set to move their operations to the city — a shift officials say will improve public services and help drive economic growth across the province.

Mayor Edgar Lignes said the city’s biggest advantage is its location. El Salvador City sits just 12.6 kilometers from Laguindingan International Airport, making it a practical hub for government agencies that regularly coordinate with offices in Manila and Cebu.

“What Cagayan de Oro has, El Salvador City also has,” Lignes said, pointing to the city’s accessibility and readiness to host national offices.

Among the agencies expected to relocate are the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Maritime Authority, National Meat Inspection Service, National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Coconut Authority, with more offices also signaling interest.

To speed things up, the city government is offering free office spaces to national agencies. Lignes said the move is meant to attract more activity to the area, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses.

Often described as an agro-industrial city, El Salvador already hosts some of the country’s biggest industrial players, including Asia Brewery, Tanduay Rhum, Universal Robina, Yakult Philippines’ largest manufacturing plant, and Zest-O Corporation, among many others.

Interest from the private sector is also growing, with major firms such as Gaisano Mall, Ayala Agro-Industrial and the Aboitiz Group eyeing potential investments in the city.

Beyond industry and government, El Salvador City is also known as a pilgrimage destination. It is home to the 50-foot Divine Mercy Shrine, which draws millions of devotees every April for its feast day, highlighted by the much-talked-about “Dancing Sun” phenomenon.