CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— Families looking for fresh produce, affordable local food and unique garden plants can find them all in one place as the Fiesta sa Kaumahan 2026 Agro Fair and Garden Show opened Wednesday at Gaston Park.
The week-long event, organized by the City Agriculture Office, brings together farmers, fisherfolk, food entrepreneurs and plant growers, giving residents the opportunity to buy directly from local producers while supporting their livelihoods.
The fair opened with a blessing and Mass led by the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.
City Agriculturist Engr. Bernie Daba invited residents of Cagayan de Oro and nearby municipalities to visit the fair, which runs daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
"Giawhag nako ang tanan—dili lang taga-Cagayan de Oro, kundili ang tanan nato nga kasilingan nga munisipyo ug syudad—nga bisitahan ninyo ang Fiesta sa Kaumahan diri sa Gaston Park," Daba said.
Building on last year's event, which generated more than ₱5 million in sales for 60 local vendors, this year's fair aims to provide more opportunities for local producers while giving consumers access to fresh and reasonably priced products.
Visitors can shop for freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, and seafood sold directly by farmers and fisherfolk, helping households stretch their food budget while supporting local growers. The fair serves as a key highlight as CDO's Higalaay Festival packs August with food, music and fun, giving food lovers a chance to explore the "Higala, Mangisnack Ta!" market and food park, where local entrepreneurs offer native delicacies, traditional snacks, and freshly prepared meals.Food lovers can also explore the "Higala, Mangisnack Ta!" market and food park, where local entrepreneurs offer native delicacies, traditional snacks and freshly prepared meals.
Garden enthusiasts will find a wide selection of ornamental plants, flowering species and gardening supplies from growers across the region. Display gardens by Rural Improvement Clubs also showcase landscaping ideas for homes and communities.
The fair also features demonstrations on hydroponics, urban fish farming and other modern agricultural practices, giving visitors practical ideas they can apply at home.
An information booth operated by the Office of the City Agriculturist is available throughout the event to assist visitors with activity schedules, exhibits and contest information. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Assistant)
