Higalaay Festival kicks off

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — City officials here, led by Mayor Klarex Uy, officially launched on Friday the Higalaay Festival 2025 through a grand ceremony at Rio de Oro Boulevard, with the theme “Proud of Our Roots, Bold in Our Dreams.”

At least 58 events were lined up for the celebration of the city’s 75th Charter Day. Higalaay Festival co-chairperson Shiela Lumbatan said the allocated budget for the Higalaay Festival 2025 is P20 million.

“We are trying to establish its name within the Philippine map,” she said, explaining that the goal is to be recognized as one of the major festivals in the country.

Prior to the launch, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro held a media briefing for the festivities, where Acting City Tourism Officer Mark Kenneth Jalapadan reported that 13 core events and 10 major events for Higalaay Festival 2025, running from 8 to 31 August 8, will showcase the city’s culture and heritage.