CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The grand launch of the Higalaay Festival on August 2 at Rio de Oro Boulevard drew thousands of Kagay-anons, with the event placing a strong emphasis on unity and friendship as vital foundations for the city’s growth and prosperity.
“Tungod sa atong panag-uban, nahimo kitang mas competitive, tungod sa atong panag-uban, nitaas ang atong ang-ang isip usa sa mga adunahan nga dakbayan sa tibuok Pilipinas. Tungod sa atong panag-uban, nahimong hingpit ang paglambo sa pangagamhanan sa dakbayan,” Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy said.
(Because of our unity, we have become more competitive, and because of our unity, our city has risen to become one of the most prosperous in the Philippines. Because of our unity, the development of our city government has been achieved.)
The mayor also reflected on the significance of the festival and the city’s patron saint, Sr. San Agustin, how he stood firm and righteous despite the failures and mistakes he encountered.
“Ato karong hinuklogan kung unsaon nga mubarog kita nga usa ka lig-on nga komunidad taliwala sa atong mga nagkadaiyang kapas, gigikanan ug kaliwatan, sirkumstansya sa kinabuhi, ug mga politikang pagpili ang pinaagi sa pagsabot ug sa pagsinabot,” Uy added.
(We must consider how we can stand strong as a community despite our differences in abilities, origins, and life circumstances through mutual understanding and respect.)
Higalaay 2024 core and major events
The city government highlighted the festival’s core events, beginning with the Agro Fair and Garden Show at Gaston Park and Divisoria from August 1 to 31 through the City Tourism Office. Other notable events include the 2nd Kagay-an International Dragon Boat Fiesta Race on August 10–11 at Isla de Oro, the Cagayan de Oro Fiesta sa Barrio on August 16 at Pelaez Sports Complex, the Invitational Volleyball Game on August 17 at the Convention Center, and the Kagay-an Festival Marathon on August 18 at Centrio Ayala Mall.
The festivities will also feature the Higalaay Pyro Musical Fireworks Competition on August 21 at Rodelsa Circle, the 13th Mindanao Fashion Summit from August 22–24 at Centrio Ayala Mall, and the highly anticipated Miss Cagayan de Oro on August 24 at Limketkai Atrium.
In addition to these, the DepEd Rhythmic Field Demonstration Competition on August 25 at Pelaez Sports Complex, the Higalaay Street Dancing Competition on August 26 at Pelaez Sports Complex, and the Higalaay Civic Military Parade and Float Competition on August 27 at Rodelsa Circle will showcase the city’s cultural vibrancy.
On August 28, the festival will culminate with the Feast of Sr. San Agustin Religious and Fluvial Procession, a deeply rooted tradition that will take place from Barangay Macabalan to Duaw Park.
This year’s festival also includes major events such as 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.
The festival will also feature 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. Additionally, the 2nd Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy Talentadong Kagay-anon on August 27 at the Pelaez Sports Complex, as well as the Higalaay Photo Contest from August 1–31, will highlight the city’s diverse talents.
Aside from unveiling the festival’s events, the “Higalaay Friendship Band,” a symbolic accessory created by local artists to embody the festival’s spirit of friendship and unity, was another highlight of the launch. The exchange of bands among attendees, led by Mayor Rolando Uy and Vice Mayor Jocelyn Bebot Rodriguez, became a highlight of the event, symbolizing the strong community bonds and camaraderie that define the festival.
One of the attendees, John Carl Anito, shared his thoughts on the grand launch, expressing his admiration for the symbolic exchange of friendship bands. “The best thing that happened was the symbolic exchange of friendship band of the attendees led by City Mayor Klarex Uy and Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, which personifies the true essence of being a Higala as what we celebrate,” said Anito.
He also expressed his anticipation for the upcoming events, which would truly showcase Kagay-anon’s talents, unique culture, and heritage, honor Cagayan de Oro’s rich heritage, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
For her part, Vice Mayor Jocelyn Bebot Rodriguez expressed the council’s joy in joining the festivities and cited that from the very beginning, “Ang atong patron, Sr. San Agustin, anaa na kanunay para pagprotektar sa katawhan, para paggiya, para paghatag sa atong maaayong panglawas.”
(The city’s patron, Sr. San Agustin, has always been there to protect the people, to guide them, and to give them good health.)
She also encouraged continuous prayer and devotion to Sr. San Agustin.
