Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Misamis Occidental eyes Korean partnerships as it maps out tourism plans for 2026

via Bhal Abad Cabrera | January 13, 2025

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental is setting the course for its tourism sector in 2026, banking on growing visitor numbers and renewed talks with Korean investors to strengthen the province’s position as an emerging tourism hub in Mindanao.

As provincial officials reviewed tourism performance for 2025, they also confirmed preparations for the visit of Korean groups interested in potential investments across key destinations in the province. These engagements build on discussions initiated during Governor Henry S. Oaminal’s visit to South Korea from December 8 to 12, 2025.

At the center of the province’s tourism roadmap are flagship destinations developed under the Asenso brand of service, including the Asenso Global Gardens (AGG) and the Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park (AMORA). Both sites are being positioned for public-private partnerships aimed at expanding facilities and diversifying attractions.

Tourism data presented during the review showed that Asenso Global Gardens recorded 84,335 tourist arrivals from January to December 2025, with officials noting a significant increase in visitors in the final month of the year. Provincial authorities said the numbers reflect rising interest in Misamis Occidental as a leisure destination.

To sustain this momentum, officials proposed several development projects for 2026. These include completing the remaining sections of AGG’s vertical gardens, developing a rooftop garden, and introducing a Korean-inspired landscape to appeal to international visitors and deepen cultural exchanges.

Korean investors are expected to visit AGG for exploratory talks on proposed projects such as a cable car system, while AMORA is being presented for its planned golf course development. The itinerary also includes visits to cacao and coffee plantations, highlighting opportunities in agri-tourism alongside traditional leisure ventures.

Provincial officials said tourism remains a priority growth sector, seen as a platform for job creation and international collaboration. With foreign partnerships beginning to take shape and infrastructure upgrades lined up, Misamis Occidental is aiming to secure a stronger foothold on the tourism map of Mindanao in the coming years.

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