10/10/2026
More Than Just an Alumni Gathering
The College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) Alumni Forum of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) became an opportunity for Cong. Ian Amatong to share the development priorities of Zamboanga del Norte’s 3rd District, establish new connections, and explore possible partnerships that could benefit its communities.
Held on October 9 with the theme “Ugnayang Alumni Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago at Kaunlaran,” the forum brought together alumni, distinguished awardees, and professionals from various fields. Cong. Ian attended upon the invitation of former CPAf Dean Dr. Agnes Rola and was also given the opportunity to speak about the realities, challenges, and ongoing development efforts in his district.
During his talk, Cong. Ian highlighted the province’s 56% poverty incidence at the start of his term and reiterated his goal of bringing this down to 20% or lower through sustained development initiatives and stronger institutional support.
Among the initiatives he discussed were efforts to reinvigorate the agricultural sector through the rehabilitation of coconut farms, intercropping with abaca, and the promotion of mangoes, dragon fruit, bamboo, and value-added products such as smoked and vacuum-sealed fish.
He also shared major infrastructure and economic development plans, including the expansion of Lamao Port in Liloy toward its envisioned international port status, the start of construction this year of a Level II hospital on a five-hectare property in Liloy, and the proposed economic zones in Liloy and Sibuco that could accommodate agricultural processing facilities and other industries.
“While we are confident of what we are doing, we are frustrated with the pace because some national agencies are not so cooperative. I was also frustrated when I visited DepDev because even the Secretary did not know that we are the poorest province. That is not right. Sa development sa atong nasud, kinahanglan paningkamutan sa national government nga itupong-tupong ang budget ug development sa mga probinsya,” Cong. Ian emphasized.
Beyond sharing the district’s challenges and aspirations, the forum also opened doors for possible collaborations.
Cong. Ian had the opportunity to meet the distinguished alumni awardees, including Dr. Cheryl Eusala, Dr. Lynlei Pintor, and Consul General Christina Gracia Rola-McKernan, whose respective fields of expertise presented opportunities for possible assistance to the district.
Among the promising discussions was an agreement to meet in Tampilisan to further discuss the difficulties faced by rubber farmers and tappers in Tampilisan, Kalawit, and Godod. Possible assistance through science and technology programs was also explored, along with potential support from an Australian private organization for children’s feeding and footwear needs.
Encouragingly, representatives of CPAf also expressed willingness to explore institutional collaboration and identify specific ways the college could assist municipalities in the district.
“This is the very reason why I participate in forums such as this. We have established clear goals for our district, and people have seen how hard we work to achieve them. This gives them the confidence to partner with us through institutional collaboration, knowing that whatever assistance they extend will be put to good use and will not go to waste,” Cong. Ian shared.
He likewise expressed appreciation for the encouraging response from individuals and institutions who recognized the district’s ongoing efforts and expressed interest in working together toward its development goals.
Padayon atong paningkamot, padayon atong ligdong ug matarong nga serbisyo alang sa kalambuan nga para sa tanan.
