HONESTY IN ACTION: A MISAMISNON RETURNS LOST PHONE TO NMRAA OFFICIAL

A heartwarming act of honesty and kindness during the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) Meet has once again highlighted the true spirit of Misamisnons—one that is deeply rooted in the Asenso Pinoy Core Values: Matinahuron (Respectful), Matinud-anon (Honest), Matinabangon (Helpful), and Mahigugmaon (Compassionate).

This was exemplified by John Ryan Ganzon of Oroquieta City, who found a lost phone at 7-Eleven Oroquieta and, instead of keeping it, immediately took the initiative to return it to its rightful owner. The phone belonged to Ms. Aimee Pareño, the Division Sports Officer of DepEd Iligan City Division, who was in town for the NMRAA event.

Ganzon, along with his uncle, traveled by motorcycle from Oroquieta to Clarin National High School, where Pareño and her delegation were billeted, to personally return the phone.

The actions of Ganzon reflect not just an individual’s honesty but the collective moral foundation of Misamis Occidental.

• Matinahuron (Respectful): Respect for others’ property and the effort to ensure it was safely returned.

• Matinud-anon (Honest): Choosing to do the right thing despite the opportunity to act otherwise.

• Matinabangon (Helpful): Going out of his way, with his uncle, to personally deliver the phone.

• Mahigugmaon (Compassionate): Showing genuine concern for a stranger’s lost item, demonstrating kindness and selflessness.

This simple yet powerful gesture reinforces the culture of integrity, trust, and community spirit in Misamis Occidental. It sets an example that honesty and kindness still prevail, strengthening the province’s reputation as a place where people truly care for one another.

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude! My phone was returned to me after being lost in 7-11 Oroquieta during NMRAA. This heartwarming act of kindness embodies the core virtues of Misamis Occidental – Matinahuron, Matinud-anon, Matinabangon, and Mahigugmaon,” Pareño shared on social media.

For visitors like Ms. Aimee Pareño, this experience serves as a testament to why Misamis Occidental proudly upholds its slogan: “Sa Asenso Misamis Occidental, Pinangga Ka!”. It also inspires others to live by the same principles, ensuring that the province remains a place where honesty and compassion thrive.

As the province continues to progress under the Asenso Misamis Occidental leadership, these core values remain the foundation for peace, unity, and sustainable development.