CAGAYAN de Oro City — The Higalaay Festival may have ended on August 30, but Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy is urging Kagay-anons to keep the celebration’s spirit of unity, friendship and community cooperation alive. 

Uy issued the call as the city government thanked the people and organizations that helped make Higalaay 2026 a successful and peaceful celebration despite the rain and heat. 

“Ang Higalaay dili lang usa ka selebrasyon. Kini usa ka espiritu sa panaghiusa, pagtinabangay ug panaghigalaay nga atong ipadayon bisan human sa pista,” Uy said. 

He thanked city government workers, sponsors, barangays, civic organizations, students, teachers and participants who took part in the festival’s various activities. 

The mayor also recognized the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, led by Acting Department Manager Mark Kenneth Jalapadan, and other city offices and personnel who helped maintain peace, order and security during the celebrations. 

Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan, who served as head of the Higalaay Festival, said the successful celebration was a result of the collective effort of Kagay-anons. 

“More than the festivities, Higalaay is about people coming together. The success of this year’s celebration shows what we can achieve when Kagay-anons work together,” Lumbatan said. 

She thanked everyone who contributed their time, effort and support to make Higalaay 2026 a celebration for the entire city. 

Uy also acknowledged the city councilors, led by Vice Mayor Jocelyn “Bebot” Rodriguez, for sharing food and assistance with residents during the fiesta. 

Above all, the city government expressed gratitude to God for His guidance and blessings that helped make the celebration peaceful and successful. 

For Uy, however, the end of the festival should not mean the end of the Higalaay spirit. 

“Atong dad-on ang espiritu sa Higalaay sa atong mga pamilya, komunidad ug adlaw-adlaw nga pagkinabuhi,” Uy said. 

With the festivities over, the challenge now is for Kagay-anons to keep panaghiusa, pagtinabangay and panaghigalaay alive throughout the year.