Cagayan de Oro City — The 2.5-kilometer boulevard along the Cagayan river — originally built as protection for the residents living along the river banks — now becoming a major tourist spot here.

The two-lane boulevard, which was opened and inaugurated last August, starts from Barangay Puntod to J.R. Borja Streets and passes under the Marcos Bridge and Consolacion with an T- intersection to Burgos Street.

It was funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency as part of the Cagayan de Oro River flood management project.

The boulevard was slated as a flood control program of the Department of Public Works and Highways to protect those living along the river banks from floods during the rainy season but now, it has become the center for conducting celebrations in the city.

Just months ago, the city government has declared the Rio De Oro boulevard as one of the new tourist destinations in the city and clearing operations along the river bank was implemented particularly under the bridges and islets in the river.

A task force demolished at least 300 shanties and illegal structures in Isla Delta in Barangay Consolacion, which was occupied by illegal settlers.

Recently, the boulevard played host to the month-long Pasko de Oro celebration which culminated last 22 December 2023. It was the second month-long festival held in the city after the Higalaay Festival last August.

Among the activities that were done were the dragon boat festival, street dancing competition and fluvial procession while religious procession, agro fair, photo contest, cowboy rodeo festival, trade fair, beauty and photo contest, mall sale and sports competitions were also conducted there.

The Rio de Oro Boulevard also features the "Tree of Life" marker at Isla De Oro along the Cagayan de Oro river — the home of the mango tree that was used as a refuge of 50 people at the height of  typhoon "Sendong" last 17 December 2011.

To recall, "Sendong" left 1,257 dead, 6,071 injured, and 182 missing across 13 provinces in the Philippines. Close to 900 bodies were found in Cagayan de Oro City, while at least 50 people survived the flooding by clinging to a mango tree in the Isla De Oro in the middle of the raging river.

Councilor James Judith — the proponent of the project — said that the Tree of Life marker    will also serve as a recreation spot that can be built around the marker as a viewing deck where people can enjoy the sight of the Cagayan river and the newly opened Rio De Oro Boulevard.

The construction of the boulevard formerly known as the Marcos Bridge has historical significance since during World War II, as the Japanese Imperial Army destroyed the bridge in the area.