CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — At least 11 teams will compete in the 3rd Kagay-an Festival Dragon Boat Race, including one from Hong Kong and others from different regions across the country.

John Asuncion, head of the Oro-Trade and Investment Promotions Center, said the festival began at about 7 a.m., from Puntod Macabalan to Duaw Park near St. Augustine Church, as part of the city’s month-long 75th anniversary celebration.

Asuncion said the 3rd Kagay-an Festival International Dragon Boat Race began with the Eye Dotting Ceremony for the awakening of the dragon, led by City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas.

“Dragon dotting is to awaken the sleeping dragon,” he said. He emphasized that safety is a priority, requiring participants to wear life vests.

The major prizes are P50,000 for first place, P30,000 for second, P20,000 for third, and P10,000 for the first runner-up.

The race will focus on the 2,000-, 500-, and 200-meter events, where the Philippines has previously held records.

“We want to prepare our participants for international events,” he said.

The grand opening of the month-long celebration began with fireworks at the Rio de Oro Boulevard on Friday night.

Saturday’s events include the opening of the Higalaay Festival Market, CDO at 75: The Diamond Charter Exhibit, Fiesta sa Kaumahan — Agro Fair and Garden Show, City Fiesta Trade Fair, Tinagboan Festival, International Kagay-an Dragon Boat Fiesta Race, Lambago Tree Planting Year 3, Indigenous Cultural Ambassador Pageant 2025 and the Mindanao Hair Summit.

The traditional month-long celebration was launched at Rio de Oro Boulevard and ended with a religious fluvial parade from Puntod in Macajalar to Duaw Park near St. Augustine Church, in honor of the city’s patron saint, St. Augustine.

Highlights of last year’s celebration included the month-long trade fair running until 31 August, the second Kagay-an International Dragon Boat Festival Race at Isla de Oro along the Cagayan River, the Pyromusical Fireworks Competition at Rodelsa Circle, Miss Cagayan de Oro Coronation at Lim Ket Kai Atrium, DepEd Rhythmic Field Demonstration Competition at the sports center, Street Dance Competition, and the Civic-Military Parade and Float Competition.