THE City of Cagayan de Oro officially launched the Higalaay Festival 2019 and upcoming activities at the event center of SM CDO Downtown Premier on Sunday, August 4.
"Ang kapistahan is essentially a religious activity. But beyond the religiosity, pagpasalamat sa atong patron, salamat sa Ginoo sa grasya nga gihatag, naa po'y mga maayong resulta sa atong pagsaulog sa kapistahan as one community," Mayor Oscar Moreno said.
"We are able to unite the people and strengthen the bond that connects our people to our community. Ang kapistahan is one good memory that we want to leave behind. Ako mismo, I have very good memories of fiesta, including fiesta dinhi sa Cagayan de Oro. And kana nga memories gusto ko pud sad i-share sa atong mga kabatan-onan," he added.
Moreno said they have coordinated with the police to ensure the security of the people during the celebration.
"Mas estrikto na ang atong mga checkpoints. In fact, causing some delays sa traffic sa east ug sa west and other areas. I hope people will understand, gamay lang nga inconvenience para sa atong security measures," Moreno said.
"Our system is not perfect. But as much as possible, ato gyud ipakita na we are doing everything we can to ensure that the city and the people are safe," he added.
Moreno said he is still waiting for the security team's decision on whether there will be signal jams during the festivities.
He assured that if using a signal jamming device during fiesta activities would be necessary, they will comply.
"We cannot take chances. Of course, nakasabot ko nga naay mga inconveniences. Lisod kaayo nga we throw caution into the wind, lisod kaayo. Maniguro gyud ta. So kun unsay recommendation sa atong mga security personnel, we will discuss and implement as necessary," Moreno said.
The Higalaay Festival is Cagayan de Oro's premier cultural event held every August. It coincides with the feast of Saint Augustine, the city's patron saint.
Through the festival, public-private partnership is showcased as both the government and the private sector join hands to offer the locals, guests, tourists, and investors a taste of Kagay-anon culture, hospitality and distinct brand of fun.
This year's Higalaay Festival features a total of 15 core events, namely:
* Higalaay Agrifair and Garden Show
* 6th Higalaay Photo Contest
* Kumbira 2019 Culinary Show and Competition
* Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair
* Kagay-an Festival marathon
* Higalaay Choral Competition
* Cowboy Festival: The Annual Cagayan de Oro Horse Show
* Miss Cagayan de Oro 2019
* Cagayan de Oro Carnival Street Dance Competition
* 8th Mindanao Fashion Summit
* Higalaay Street Parade and Floats
* Centrio Mall Bisperas Fireworks
* Religious Procession
* Fluvial Procession
* SM Higalaay Pyro Festival
There will also be special feature events during the celebration such as the Philippine SuperLiga Spike and Tour CDO, Regional Travel Fair, and The 2nd Kagay-an Dragon Boat Fiesta Race.