Gov. Juliette Uy: "Healthcare And Tourism Are our Priorities"

By Mona Lagbas

July 1,2025, Cagayan de Oro City_"A transparent government, an accountable leadership and loyalty only for the people of Misamis Oriental, these are all I ask of you, "thus declared Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy as she spoke during her inauguration Tuesday at the Provincial Capitol.

" My heart bleeds for our Misamisnons who cannot avail of quality healthcare because of lack of medicine and facilities. Some Provincial hospitals do not even have cotton balls, syringes and basic madicine. I cannot understand why there are no medicine and funds for these hospitals. I will investigate this and I have also talked with some private hospital stakeholders and they are much willing to help us," said Governor Uy.

On tourism, Governor Juliette took to task Tourism Regional Director May Unchuan for allegedly not prioritizing the tourist spots and potential attractions in the province. She said that there are many potential areas that need to be promoted and supported by the Department of Tourism, regardless of ownership and political colors. The governor even lamented that there has been no featured delicacy of the province although Uy favors the continuation of the Kuyamis Festival started by then Governor Bambi Emano.

On transparency, Governor Uy said that illegal mining, particularly gold, and unabated quarrying exist in the hinterlands and she will push for the legalization of these so not only moneyed miners and big time quarry operators can avail of these resources but also the small time miners and excavators, therefore contribute to the province's coffers through payment of taxes and permits.

On the other hand, Uy thanked Congresswoman Karen Lagbas for the latter's support and she echoed both their pledges for quality service like mothers who lovingly care for their brood.

Governor Juliette also expressed dismay when Vice Governor Jigjag Pelaez and the majority members of the Sangguniang

Panlalawigan did not attend her inauguration, saying that they were allegedly ordered by former Governor Unabia not to attend the event. She said that public servants, especially elected ones, should not be loyal to one person but to the people who voted for them and the public in general.