By Marriz B. Agbon
The passing of Ma’am Ninfa Along Albania is not only a personal loss but also a profound moment of reflection for all of us who had the privilege of working alongside her in the service of Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao.
As the steady hand of DTI-X, Ma’am Ninfa was more than a government partner—she was a trusted ally in the long and sometimes difficult work of regional development. For those of us in the early years of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber, her presence was a constant assurance that public service, when grounded in dedication and integrity, could truly move communities forward.
Together, we embarked on initiatives that helped define an era of growth for Mindanao. She was there during the trade missions to Taiwan and Hong Kong, opening doors for our enterprises and showing the world the promise of our region. She played a vital role in the very first Mindanao Business Conference, which has since grown into a lasting institution for dialogue, trade, and collaboration.
Her hand was also evident in the Cagayan de Oro–Iligan Corridor Master Plan, a landmark effort to align our cities’ strengths and build a collective vision for progress. She championed the revival of the Provincial SMED Councils of Mindanao, an effort I was privileged to witness during my tenure as Mindanao private sector representative to the National SMED Council. Each of these milestones bore her imprint: practical, forward-looking, and deeply committed to inclusive growth.
Yet, beyond the official programs and projects, what I will remember most are the moments of kinship. It was in those moments that her humanity shone brightest: humble, generous, and always encouraging.
Over the fifteen years I spent in Cagayan de Oro, I saw how Ma’am Ninfa carried her work not as a mere job but as a vocation. Her example taught us that true development requires not only plans and policies but also trust, persistence, and heart.
Today, as we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her legacy. Northern Mindanao is stronger, more confident, and more connected because of her vision and tireless service.
For those of us who walked that road with her, the best tribute we can offer is to continue the work she so deeply believed in—with the same integrity, the same quiet determination, and the same hope.
Ma’am Ninfa Albania’s voice will no longer echo in our meetings, but her spirit will remain in every trade mission, every business conference, and every master plan that dares to dream of a better Mindanao.
