THE House committee on basic education and culture unanimously approved on Wednesday, August 28, a bill seeking to declare Cagayan de Oro River as a cultural heritage zone.

House Bill 434, authored by Cagayan De Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez, proposes that the river be accorded priority development by the Tourism and Environment departments.

Rene Escalante, chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, confirmed during the committee deliberation that archaeological studies showed that pre-colonial communities had settled along the river.

The river was also the site of the first Republican Army victory over the American forces, through the battle of Makahambus in June 1901.

"This is recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines with a historical marker entitled "Labanan sa Burol ng Makahambus," Escalante said during the committee's deliberation.

Cagayan De Oro River is famous for white water rafting. Rodriguez said it is comparable to rivers in Costa Rica and Australia. (Ryniel Berlanga/SunStar Philippines)