The recent issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by the Regional Trial Court Branch 18 against Governor Juliette Uy’s salary directive has sparked discussion in Misamis Oriental’s Provincial Capitol. What appears on the surface as a simple payroll adjustment is now a case study in governance, process, and the balance of power.

According to court records, the 20th Sangguniang Panlalawigan filed a case challenging the Governor’s July 31, 2025 memorandum that required the Vice Governor, Board Members, and their staff to personally claim their salaries “over-the-counter” at the Unity Hall while attending a “meet-and-greet.” The TRO, issued on August 20, 2025, directs the Governor and the Provincial Treasurer to suspend implementation for 20 days.

A Question of Process

While the order may have been intended as a show of “unity,” its effect on government workers cannot be ignored. Salary disbursement is traditionally a straightforward process. Introducing ceremonial requirements raises concerns about efficiency, practicality, and fairness.

Legislative vs. Executive

The fact that the matter reached the courts reflects a continuing friction between the Capitol’s executive and legislative branches. Whether this is simply a procedural disagreement or part of a deeper political rift is open to interpretation—but it is clear that institutional independence is at stake.

Public Service Above All

It must be emphasized: government salaries are earned compensation, not favors extended by any political office. Employees deserve to receive them without unnecessary hurdles. In this light, the TRO serves as a reminder that public service must always take precedence over political symbolism.

Looking Ahead

The TRO is temporary, but it offers a chance for reflection. Misamis Oriental faces many pressing challenges, and its leaders owe it to the people to resolve issues through collaboration rather than confrontation.

At the end of the day, one principle remains: public office is a public trust. Policies should strengthen institutions and serve the people—not complicate the very basics of governance.

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — August 20, 2025. The City of Golden Friendship is about to glow even brighter as Cagayan de Oro gears up for one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year—the Korea Festival 2025! Happening this September 20–21, 2025 at SM CDO Downtown Premier, the two-day celebration promises to bring the sights, sounds, and spirit of Korea straight to Northern Mindanao.

A Fusion of Culture and Friendship

Organized by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines, the festival will transform the city into a vibrant hub of tradition, creativity, and cultural exchange. Festival-goers will get the chance to immerse themselves in all things Korean—from the elegance of the Hanbok (traditional clothing) and the artistry of Hangeul (Korean alphabet), to the excitement of K-pop music, K-drama-inspired booths, and live stage performances.

Joining the event are the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila and the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA) Manila, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about Korea’s unique destinations, content, and cultural treasures.

Performances to Remember

One of the festival’s biggest highlights will be the much-awaited performance of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) Demonstration Team. Known worldwide for their electrifying routines, the team will showcase the power, grace, and discipline of Taekwondo—a martial art deeply rooted in Korean tradition.

But that’s not all. Audiences will also be treated to a colorful lineup of traditional music and dance, blending the rich heritage of both Korean and Filipino performance arts in one unforgettable showcase.

The Spotlight on K-pop Talent

For Kagay-anon K-pop fans and aspiring performers, this year’s festival will host “Everyone’s KPOP”, a talent competition that gives both solo acts and groups the chance to shine. From energetic dance covers to powerful vocal performances, participants will battle it out for a chance to perform on the festival stage itself.

📌 Deadline for entries is September 5, 2025, so those who dream of their K-pop moment should not miss this opportunity. Full contest mechanics and submission guidelines are available on the official KCC Philippines channels.

A Free Festival for Everyone

Best of all, the Korea Festival 2025 is free to the public, making it an accessible and inclusive cultural experience for all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of K-culture or simply curious about what makes Korea so globally beloved, this festival is your chance to experience it all—right here in Cagayan de Oro.

As the Korean wave continues to sweep across the globe, CDO is proud to be a stage where cultures meet, connect, and celebrate. Mark your calendars and get ready for two days of fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories at Korea Festival 2025!

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has once again brought a critical issue to the national spotlight—Mindanao’s diminishing share of the national budget. In the latest round of budget hearings, Rodriguez questioned Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman over what he described as a “Manila-centric” allocation that sidelines Mindanao and the Visayas in favor of Luzon and the National Capital Region.

According to Department of Budget and Management (DBM) figures, Mindanao is set to receive only 15.4% of the proposed 2026 national budget, while the Visayas gets 11.1%. In contrast, Luzon will receive 24.4%, with NCR getting an additional 13.3%. Rodriguez pointed out that this is not only disproportionate but also a step backward—Mindanao once enjoyed 16.6% of the budget in 2022, and even up to 17% during the 14th and 15th Congresses.

“Mindanao has a population of 26 million, that’s 22.3% of the country’s 116 million people. Why is Mindanao getting smaller in terms of the budget?” Rodriguez asked.

For a region that contributes significantly through agriculture, energy, natural resources, and trade, the figures are discouraging. The congressman argued that such allocations contradict the government’s rhetoric of inclusive growth. Fewer resources mean less funding for infrastructure, education, livelihood, and agricultural programs that Mindanao sorely needs to catch up with more developed regions.

Another point of concern is the bulk of funds still classified as “nationwide” or “centralized” projects—programs often implemented by agencies based in Metro Manila. While some benefits may eventually reach the provinces, the arrangement lacks transparency and, in practice, leaves Mindanaoans questioning whether their communities will truly benefit.

From the perspective of regional equity, Rodriguez’s frustration resonates. Why should 22% of the population receive only 15% of the pie? Why are regions that produce the country’s food and resources persistently underfunded compared to Metro Manila’s urban priorities?

To be clear, Rodriguez stressed that this is not about pitting Luzon against Mindanao. Instead, it is about ensuring fair distribution:

“We are not going against Luzon. But we will ask that we improve the figures and percentages for Mindanao and the Visayas by having the central offices give that to the regions where the projects are needed,” he said.

This issue cuts deeper than numbers—it reflects how policymaking often overlooks the regions in favor of the capital. For Mindanaoans, the budget is not just about statistics; it is about roads unbuilt, schools unfunded, and opportunities missed.

As Congress deliberates on the 2026 budget, the challenge is clear: if the administration is serious about inclusive growth, it must correct the imbalance. After all, how can we talk about national progress if Mindanao and the Visayas remain perpetually shortchanged?

Cagayan de Oro is once again set to host one of the most anticipated OPM concerts of the year! As part of the grand celebration of Higalaay Festival 2025, the iconic voice of Philippine rock, BAMBOO, will be performing live with special guest band CUESHE for an electrifying night of music and nostalgia.

This highly awaited concert will take place on August 27, 2025 at the Limketkai Center Atrium, kicking off at 4:00 PM. Fans can expect nothing less than a powerful showcase of OPM hits, timeless anthems, and unforgettable performances that will bring Kagay-anons together for a night of pure rock energy.

Concert Details:

📅 Date: August 27, 2025
📍 Venue: Limketkai Center Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM

🎟️ Ticket Prices:

🔰 BRONZE UPPER – ₱600

👉 Tickets available online here: https://bambooliveincdo.veent.co/?ref=JUANDERFUL

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Concert

Bamboo’s live performances have always been known for their raw intensity and soulful delivery, making every show a unique experience for fans. Paired with the heartfelt and nostalgic hits of Cueshe, this concert promises to be one of the biggest highlights of this year’s Higalaay Festival.

Whether you’re a long-time OPM fan or someone looking to enjoy world-class Filipino music live on stage, this event is definitely one for the books.

So gather your friends, secure your tickets, and get ready for an explosive evening of music, passion, and Kagay-anon pride!

Get ready, Kagay-anons! The spotlight is on as the Miss Cagayan de Oro 2025 Coronation Night promises to be one of the grandest highlights of this year’s Higalaay Festival. The much-awaited pageant will bring beauty, grace, and glamour to the stage, and this year, it gets even more exciting with the presence of national beauty queens as part of the judging panel.

Meet the Esteemed Judges

The coronation night will not only showcase the dazzling candidates of Miss Cagayan de Oro 2025 but also the elegance and influence of renowned Filipina queens:

Their presence adds prestige to the event, making it a truly unforgettable celebration of beauty and empowerment.

Event Details

📅 Date: August 23, 2025 – 7:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Atrium, Limketkai Center

As the candidates take the stage, they will not only compete in beauty and poise but also showcase their wit, confidence, and passion for representing the City of Golden Friendship.

A Celebration of Beauty and Friendship

Miss Cagayan de Oro has always been more than just a pageant—it is a platform that celebrates Kagay-anon women who embody intelligence, talent, and compassion. This year’s coronation night promises to be brighter and grander, inspiring the next generation of women to dream bigger and shine bolder.

Who Will Be Crowned?

The question on everyone’s mind: Who will take home the crown as Miss Cagayan de Oro 2025? With the city’s finest candidates competing for the prestigious title, the night is sure to be filled with excitement, elegance, and unforgettable moments.

Stay tuned here at Cagayan de Oro Today for full coverage and updates from the Miss Cagayan de Oro 2025 Coronation Night!

The sound of roaring engines and the cheers of the crowd filled the air during the 2nd Higalaay National Motocross Competition 2025, held on Sunday, August 17. Even though the skies poured heavy rain, the event went on as planned near the Cagayan de Oro River, proving once again that passion for motocross and the spirit of the Higalaay Festival cannot be stopped by the weather.

More than 200 riders from different parts of the country joined the competition, bringing excitement and energy to the muddy track. Thousands of Kagay-anons and visitors lined up along the sidelines to witness the thrilling races, cheering loudly as riders sped, jumped, and maneuvered through the slippery terrain. The rain actually made the race more intense, testing the skills and determination of every participant.

Champions of the Motorace 2025 Series

The competition featured several categories, giving chances for both professional and beginner riders to showcase their talents. At the end of the day, champions were awarded with plaques of recognition, cash prizes, motor kits, and a brand-new TVS XL100 motorcycle courtesy of Motorace.

Here are the official winners of the Motorace 2025 Series:

The highlight of the winners’ circle included well-known motocross legends like Bornok Mangosong and Glenn Aguilar, who proved their dominance once again. Meanwhile, young riders such as Krinz Kyle Tapic and RJ Malayo showed that the future of motocross in the Philippines is bright. It was also inspiring to see women riders like Sharlet Gallarde competing fiercely in the Ladies Category, showing that motocross is a sport for everyone.

Extra Excitement with Raffle Prizes

Aside from the races, Motorace also prepared a raffle draw for all registered participants. Riders had the chance to win special prizes, including two air-conditioning units and another brand-new motorcycle. This added more fun to the event, with lucky winners going home not only with memories of the race but also with amazing rewards.

A Festival Highlight

The motocross competition was one of the major events of the Higalaay Festival 2025, which is celebrated every August in Cagayan de Oro. Known as the “Festival of Friendship,” Higalaay brings together Kagay-anons and visitors through parades, cultural shows, concerts, sports, and other exciting activities.

For many, the motocross competition stood out as a thrilling highlight. The mix of adrenaline, competition, and camaraderie created an unforgettable experience for both riders and spectators.

A Growing Tradition

With its second year completed successfully, the Higalaay Motocross Competition is quickly becoming a tradition in the city. It has given riders a stage to show their skills, inspired young enthusiasts to take on the sport, and provided Kagay-anons with another reason to be proud of their festival.

As the engines quieted and the crowd dispersed, one thing was clear: motocross has found a strong home in Cagayan de Oro, and the Higalaay Festival will only continue to grow bigger and better in the years to come.

(MDS/CIO/Photos by: Jhoanne Abejo & Iren Fuentes/CIO)

Picture this: Cagayan de Oro with a skyline that could make Makati jealous. Bullet trains zipping from Bulua to Bugo. Clean streets, smart traffic systems, and enough jobs so our youth don’t have to fly to Manila, Cebu, or abroad just to earn a decent living.

Now picture this: the same trapo politicians smiling in tarpaulins every three years, promising the moon but delivering a monoblock chair for the barangay hall.

See the problem?

For decades, we’ve been stuck in a cycle — voting for the same surnames, the same recycled promises, the same barkada politics. These “leaders” don’t think about the next generation. They think about the next election. They don’t plan for the city’s future. They plan for their next photo-op.

And yet, every campaign season, they roll out the same tired lines: “Mula’t sapul, para sa katawhan!” Meanwhile, our roads flood, our traffic worsens, and our young people leave. What’s their solution? Another ribbon-cutting. Another “program” with their face bigger than the project.

Cagayan de Oro deserves leaders who aren’t just born into power. We need visionaries — people who see beyond the politics of pabay-an lang basta amigo, and who actually do the work. Leaders who won’t wait for an international donor or a political favor before they fix basic problems. Leaders who think like city-builders, not dynasty keepers.

If we keep electing the same old faces, we shouldn’t be surprised if our “future city” is still just a meme on Facebook.

The truth is simple: modern CDO is possible — but not with leaders stuck in the 1980s mindset. Our progress depends on voting for people who don’t see City Hall as a family inheritance.

If we want change, we have to stop being loyal to names and start being loyal to results.

Because the CDO of tomorrow won’t be built by people clinging to yesterday.