13/08/2026
August 7, 2026 // PPDO Personnel Upskill Through Learning Visit to Villanueva’s Development Landmarks
In a continuous effort to advance institutional capacity and professional competency, twenty-one (21) personnel from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), including planners, engineers, and technical specialists, conducted a comprehensive Learning Visit on Local Development Initiatives in the Municipality of Villanueva on August 7, 2026.
The activity served as a field-based learning initiative designed to complement practical exposure to actual development interventions. By observing Villanueva's accomplishments as a premier industrial and investment center, the PPDO team aimed to better appreciate the development planning process, investment programming, project development, monitoring and evaluation and sustainability of strategic local investments.
The day began with a productive technical dialogue and "Meet and Greet" with the Villanueva Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO). This session allowed for a high-level exchange of experiences regarding key planning instruments, such as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and the Local Development Investment Program (LDIP), fostering stronger coordination between the Provincial Government and the Municipality.
Throughout the day, the delegation visited several key sites that highlight Villanueva’s innovative approach to governance and infrastructure:
• Public Works and Land Use Governance: A visit to the Villanueva Public Cemetery, located at Barangay San Martin, Villanueva provided insights into municipal zoning and public utility management.
• Eco-Innovation and Resiliency: At the Barangay Tambobong and Balacanas Relocation Site, personnel observed the Ash Brick Houses which showcases a "circular economy" by recycling industrial byproducts (coal ash) into eco-bricks for community housing and local infrastructure.
• Economic Innovation: The team explored the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) to learn about local Silk Worm Production, highlighting emerging growth opportunities in the municipality.
The visit concluded with a Courtesy Call to Municipal Mayor Julio Uy, where the team discussed future collaboration areas, including investment promotion, climate resilience, and spatial planning. The discussion underscored that economic gains must be balanced with proactive social safeguards to ensure that industrial growth does not displace local communities without a sustainable plan for their transition and housing.
The insights gathered from this activity will be integrated into the province’s planning and investment programming to further the sustainable development of Misamis Oriental.
