GRAND launch of the Higalaay Festival on August 2 at Rio de Oro Boulevard was a resounding success, attracting thousands of Kagay-anons and highlighting unity and friendship as key drivers of the city's growth and prosperity.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy stressed that the city’s progress is deeply rooted in its unity.
"Our competitiveness and prosperity are results of our unity," Uy said, adding that the city government's development has been achieved through collective effort.
Mayor Uy also reflected on the significance of the festival and the city’s patron saint, Sr. San Agustin, who remained steadfast and righteous despite challenges.
He encouraged the community to stand strong together, embracing differences with understanding and respect.
The festival's core events were announced, starting with the Agro Fair and Garden Show at Gaston Park and Divisoria, running from August 1 to 31.
Other notable events include the Kagay-an International Dragon Boat Fiesta Race on August 10–11 at Isla de Oro, the Fiesta sa Barrio on August 16 at Pelaez Sports Complex, and the Kagay-an Festival Marathon on August 18 at Centrio Ayala Mall.
The celebrations will also feature the Higalaay Pyro Musical Fireworks Competition on August 21 at Rodelsa Circle, the Mindanao Fashion Summit from August 22–24 at Centrio Ayala Mall, and Miss Cagayan de Oro on August 24 at Limketkai Atrium.
Additional highlights include the DepEd Rhythmic Field Demonstration Competition on August 25, the Higalaay Street Dancing Competition on August 26, and the Civic Military Parade and Float Competition on August 27, all at Pelaez Sports Complex.
Higalaay co-chairman and City Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan announced that the festival will culminate on August 28 with the Feast of Sr. San Agustin Religious and Fluvial Procession, a cherished tradition from Barangay Macabalan to Duaw Park.
Other major events include the City Fiesta Trade Fair: 2024 Tinagboan Festival from August 7–10 at Limketkai Mall, Prelude to Kumbira on August 16 at Centrio Ayala Mall, and the Kahimunan Trade Fair from August 16–22 at SM City Uptown.
Additional festivities include Mister Cagayan de Oro 2024 on August 18 at Limketkai Atrium, Motocross on August 21 at Zone 5 Carmen, and the Bootcamp: Music and Arts Festival on August 21 at City Tourism Hall, along with a national motocross leg also on August 21.
The 2nd Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy Talentadong Kagay-anon on August 27 and the Higalaay Photo Contest from August 1–31 will also highlight the city's diverse talents.
Lumbatan highlighted the unveiling of the "Higalaay Friendship Band," a symbolic accessory representing the festival's spirit of friendship and unity.
The exchange of these bands among attendees, led by Mayor Uy and Vice Mayor Jocelyn Bebot Rodriguez, symbolized the strong community bonds and was praised by attendees as embodying the true essence of being a Higala.
Vice Mayor Jocelyn Bebot Rodriguez shared the council’s joy in joining the festivities and emphasized the protection and guidance of Sr. San Agustin, encouraging continuous prayer and devotion to the patron saint.
According to Lumbatan, the Higalaay Festival launch has set a hopeful tone for the future, celebrating unity and friendship as the foundation for the city’s growth and prosperity. (With RTP/PIA-10)
