Cagayan de Oro Today: Business

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Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Cagayan de Oro City Economic Progress Update | January 2026

As of January 2026, Cagayan de Oro City continues to show steady economic growth, strengthening its role as the regional hub of Northern Mindanao. The city’s economy remains driven by trade, services, education, real estate, logistics, and infrastructure development, with Uptown expansion and mixed-use projects shaping a more modern urban landscape.

CDO continues to attract investments in residential, commercial, and office developments, supported by its strategic location, growing workforce, and presence of major educational institutions. In terms of commerce, the city remains a center for shopping, healthcare, banking, and professional services, serving not only its residents but nearby provinces as well.

However, tourism remains one of the city’s weakest sectors.

White Water Rafting—once CDO’s flagship tourism product—has significantly declined over the past decade. At present, the city has limited tourist attractions, resulting in most visitors treating Cagayan de Oro as a transit hub rather than a destination. Tourists typically stay briefly before heading to Camiguin Island, Dahilayan in Bukidnon, or other parts of Northern Mindanao.

Realistically, the city’s main tourism offerings are hotel accommodations, dining options, and shopping malls. Beyond these, CDO functions more as a gateway city than a leisure destination.

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

To unlock stronger tourism growth, the city may need to actively invite investors to develop tourism-driven businesses such as theme parks, amusement parks, entertainment complexes, or family-friendly attractions. Another viable path is for the local government to initiate man-made tourism projects, similar to what Singapore has successfully done—creating destination attractions despite having limited natural tourism resources.

Moving forward, while Cagayan de Oro’s economy remains strong as a business and service hub, diversifying into tourism-led development could help balance growth, increase visitor stays, generate jobs, and elevate the city from being just a regional hub to a true destination in Northern Mindanao.

The Blueprint for CDO’s Future: Solving Urban Chaos Through Smart, Resilient Planning

Robstroy Business , Cagayan de Oro City

I. The Crossroads of Growth: Understanding CDO’s Urban Dilemma

A. The “Poblacion Paradox”: Where Growth Meets Gridlock

The growing perception that Cagayan de Oro City lacks cohesive and functional zoning isn’t just a sentiment—it’s a documented reality shaped by decades of rapid, uncoordinated growth. The city’s historic and economic heart, the City Center or Central Business District (CBD), is now straining under the pressure of modern urban demands.

This imbalance creates what can be called the Poblacion Paradox: the most economically valuable area of the city is also the most congested and least efficient.

The physical environment tells the story. The CBD and its adjoining “City Proper” areas are defined by narrow two-lane roads and an irregular, outdated road network. These streets were never designed to support a growing metropolitan hub. Today, they remain one of the biggest constraints to the city’s development.

This deficit affects daily life. A clear example surfaced recently when new, modern garbage trucks could not pass through narrow subdivision roads—leading to uncollected trash piling up in neighborhoods. If city trucks can’t access homes, imagine the challenges faced by delivery vans, ambulances, fire trucks, and even customers heading to city-center businesses.

B. The Economic Drain of Daily Traffic

Traffic congestion in the Poblacion isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a measurable economic and social burden. A key 2015 study found that major intersections in the city center were operating at Levels of Service (LOS) E and F—where LOS F signifies full breakdown, recurring gridlock, and traffic demand that far exceeds capacity.

The causes are clear: insufficient road capacity, weak public transport systems, and land-use patterns that concentrate too many activities in a single core. Studies also point to poor traffic signaling, unclear pedestrian pathways, and a lack of consistent planning.

But the congestion in the Poblacion is only the tip of the iceberg. The root problem lies in unregulated urban sprawl. As subdivisions and commercial developments rise in the uptown areas, more vehicles are funneled toward the same old roads of the Poblacion. Every new neighborhood uphill adds pressure downhill—turning outdated roadways into choke points.

The gridlock in the Poblacion is not a Poblacion problem—it is the inevitable result of a city expanding without a coordinated spatial strategy.

II. The High Cost of Haphazard Development: Resilience and Livability at Risk

A. Sendong’s Hard Lesson: When Planning Failures Become Fatal

Cagayan de Oro’s inconsistent zoning and weak urban planning have long been more than inconveniences—they have been dangerous. Typhoon Sendong (Washi) in 2011 revealed the full cost of planning failures.

When international disaster experts examined the devastation in Macasandig, they pointed to one root cause: inappropriate land-use. The tragedy was worsened by settlements built in known “No Build Zones,” areas that were high-risk and should have been off-limits. Although these zones were documented in planning regulations, enforcement was weak or ignored.

Research even found that a 2003 ordinance allowed residential development in the high-risk Isla de Oro—proof that short-term political decisions once overruled long-term safety. These choices directly contributed to the scale of the disaster years later.

B. A Dangerous Cycle of Unregulated Growth

CDO is caught in a self-reinforcing loop where unregulated development worsens natural hazards, and the solutions sometimes make things worse.

Upland quarrying for construction materials increases erosion, reduces river depth, and intensifies flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, unchecked lowland development has resulted in drainage culverts being covered or blocked to make way for businesses—causing flash floods in major districts.

Government responses, such as the multi-billion peso concrete flood walls, offer necessary protection but have also removed mangroves and vegetation that naturally buffer against floods. This “gray infrastructure” has sometimes amplified risks instead of reducing them.

Breaking this cycle requires a shift toward long-term, climate-resilient planning rather than patchwork, reactionary fixes.

III. A New Blueprint for CDO: The 2024–2032 CLUP

A. A New Era of Intentional Planning

The city’s new Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2024–2032, backed by new zoning regulations, marks a critical turning point. This updated plan aims to promote sustainable development, climate resilience, and a more balanced distribution of growth across the city.

It aligns with the administration’s RISE agenda—ensuring development is inclusive, strategic, and forward-looking, reaching both central and far-flung barangays.

B. The Core Strategy: Polycentric Development

To resolve the Poblacion Paradox, the new CLUP shifts CDO from a monocentric city (where everything is concentrated downtown) to a polycentric one (with multiple activity hubs). It introduces eight development zones—each with clear roles such as commercial districts, agro-industrial sites, cultural areas, and new mixed-use centers.

West Uptown (Carmen, Canitoan, Lumbia, Pagatpat) and East Uptown (Gusa, Indahag, Macasandig, Camaman-an) are envisioned as medium- to high-density, mixed-use districts—effectively future business and lifestyle hubs designed to take pressure off downtown.

C. Revitalizing the Poblacion Without Abandoning It

While the CLUP creates new urban centers, it also outlines strategic improvements for the historic core. The Poblacion is planned to evolve into a high-density commercial district with stronger heritage protection, greener spaces, pedestrian networks, and improved mobility through walkways and bike lanes.

This approach aims to transform the area into a walkable, cultural, and commercial destination rather than a congested bottleneck.

IV. Urban Planning as Economic Strategy: Strengthening Business and Investment

A. CDO as a Regional Logistics Powerhouse

Cagayan de Oro remains Northern Mindanao’s leading logistics and commercial hub. With the services sector accounting for over 76% of local economic output—powered by BPOs, finance, health care, and retail—the city is primed for growth.

But the mismatch between its modern economic drivers and its outdated physical infrastructure creates daily inefficiencies that undermine competitiveness.

B. The Economic Value of Predictable, Well-Planned Spaces

Investors prefer cities with clear zoning, efficient mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure. This is why the creation of planned, mixed-use zones in the uplands is transformative. These areas can be marketed as modern business environments—something the congested Poblacion can no longer provide.

In a regional race with Davao, Cebu, and emerging hubs like Clark, CDO’s ability to demonstrate strong planning and enforce its zoning may be its strongest tool in attracting high-quality investments.

V. Planning for People: Improving Health, Well-being, and Community Life

A. Good Urban Design is Good Public Health

Traffic congestion, long commutes, and unwalkable environments contribute to stress, sedentary lifestyles, and reduced mental health. Poor planning directly harms people's quality of life.

The CLUP counters this with:

walkable mixed-use districts
expanded pedestrian networks
greener urban spaces
reduced car dependency

These interventions promote physical activity, mental well-being, and stronger social connections.

B. Blue-Green Infrastructure: Working With Nature, Not Against It

Modern cities are adopting Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) to adapt to climate risks and improve livability.

In CDO’s case, this means:

protecting mangroves
restoring riverbank vegetation
integrating parks and waterways
enhancing natural flood management

Instead of treating the Cagayan de Oro River as a threat, the CLUP reframes it as a key asset—one that can define a healthier, cooler, and more resilient city.

Conclusion: A City at a Turning Point

Cagayan de Oro stands at a pivotal moment. The pains of traffic, sprawl, flooding, and unregulated growth are real, but so is the opportunity presented by the 2024–2032 CLUP.

For the first time in decades, the city has:

a cohesive vision
enforceable zoning laws
clear development zones
climate-resilient priorities
strategies aligned with modern economic realities

If implemented fully and consistently, this plan has the potential to transform CDO into a smarter, more sustainable, and more livable metropolis—one that honors its history while building confidently for the future.

“The Blueprint by Globe” Lights Up the Holidays with Purposeful Connectivity and Meaningful Connections

Robstroy Business , Press Release

Globe leaders respond to questions from media attendees during The Blueprint by Globe event, sharing insights on innovation, purposeful connectivity, and inclusive digital transformation. From left to right: Jonathan Cristobal, Marketing Head of Globe Business; KD Dizon, Vice President of Globe Business; Paula Rivera-Castillo, Head of International Business; Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer; Roche Vandenberge, Chief Marketing Officer; Chelo Flores, Director of Marketing Strategic Partnerships; Beverly Robles, Senior Director of Digital Strategy and Channels Activation of Broadband Business; and Anna Aranas-Baldos, Director of Portfolio Management of Globe Prepaid.

The holiday season shines brighter this year as Globe hosted the second installment of The Blueprint by Globe at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. With the theme “Lighting Up the Season with Purposeful Connectivity and Meaningful Connections,” the year-end event highlighted how technology, when crafted with genuine intention, can empower, uplift, and bring Filipinos closer together.

More than just celebrating innovation, Globe presented a vision of a digital future built on inclusivity, protection, and community empowerment. The Blueprint by Globe lays out how every product, platform, and service is designed with purpose—creating real impact for individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout the country.

Purposeful Connectivity for Every Filipino

Globe emphasized its growing ecosystem of solutions that support seamless, secure, and equitable digital access. From advanced 5G coverage and AI-powered experiences to intuitive tools designed for everyday convenience, the company showcased how innovation becomes more meaningful when it prioritizes people.

One highlight was Globe’s push for digital transformation among businesses. Through the Globe API Ecosystem, enterprise partners can access modern, secure authentication capabilities such as the GSMA-certified Number Verification API—opening doors for safer, more seamless customer experiences across various industries.

Globe also introduced Digitest, a digital maturity assessment tool that helps organizations measure their current digital capabilities and map out clear strategies for growth. These tools enable Philippine businesses to scale confidently, strengthen customer trust, and build future-ready operations that benefit entire communities.

Connectivity That Brings Us Closer—Wherever We Are

A key part of the program celebrated how Globe keeps Filipinos connected whether at home or abroad—especially during the holiday season when communication matters most.

Travelers can enjoy GoRoam, which allows them to “roam like a local” while abroad. Overseas Filipino Workers, on the other hand, can stay close to their families through the affordable Roam Kabayan 3-in-1 pack, offering call, text, and data bundles designed for cost-efficient communication.

At home, Globe At Home continues to elevate digital living through AI-powered partnerships that provide secure and seamless online experiences for the whole family.

Globe also highlighted the strength of its 5G network, recognized as the widest in the Philippines by Ookla. With faster streaming, smoother gaming, clearer calls, and real-time content creation, the company empowers young Filipinos to stay productive and expressive wherever they go. Through offers like Go5G TURBO 50 and Go+ 99 plus AI, Globe gives hyper-connected youth access to tools that enhance learning, creativity, and everyday entertainment.

Programs that Inspire Meaningful Connections

Beyond connectivity, Globe shared stories that reflect its purpose-driven mission to empower communities. This includes initiatives that support families, students, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across the country.

The Globe Student Program, developed with Filipino youth leaders, provides mentorship, digital literacy workshops, and real-world opportunities to over 30 million students nationwide. It equips young Filipinos with the confidence and skills needed to become innovators and community builders.

Meanwhile, the Globe Caravan brings essential digital knowledge directly to families and aspiring social entrepreneurs in underrepresented communities. Through hands-on sessions, participants learn how technology can open doors to livelihood opportunities and personal growth.

Globe also expressed pride in supporting the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, which will be hosted for the first time by the Philippines. With strong connectivity for delegates and heartfelt engagement for fans, Globe champions Filipino athletes while uniting communities in celebration of sportsmanship and national pride.

Globe of Good: Compassion in Action

The event concluded with Globe of Good, a platform that turns everyday digital activities into meaningful acts of kindness. Through the GlobeOne app, customers can donate their Rewards points to support causes such as disaster relief, hunger alleviation, education, environmental protection, animal welfare, and more.

Over 300,000 Globe customers have already joined this movement, contributing over ₱5 million in donations to partner NGOs—proving that even small actions can create life-changing impact.

Prepaid subscribers can also participate in GoGIVE, which automatically sends “hearts” to chosen causes every time they use mobile data. This year’s G-Gantic Goals campaign further united more than 150,000 customers in supporting various advocacies, from feeding rescued animals to providing digital tools for public school students.

Globe of Good beautifully encapsulates the heart of The Blueprint: progress that shines brightest when powered by compassion and collective effort.

A Season Lit by Purpose and Connection

“As we celebrate this holiday season, The Blueprint by Globe highlights how technology, when purposefully designed, can spark meaningful connections and empower communities,” said Darius Delgado, Chief Commercial Officer at Globe. “We believe in purposeful connectivity—where every initiative helps enrich Filipino lives.”

With its powerful blend of innovation, empathy, and community-focused initiatives, Globe continues to shape the Filipino digital lifestyle. The company’s efforts ensure that during the most connected season of the year—and beyond—every Filipino has the chance to enjoy purposeful, meaningful, and empowering connections.

For more information, visit Globe.com.ph.

Globe Sustains Growth Momentum with ₱121.7 Billion in Revenues for First Nine Months of 2025

Robstroy Business , Press Release

Digital innovation and connectivity drive resilience amid challenging conditions

Globe Telecom, Inc. reported consolidated gross service revenues of ₱121.7 billion for the first nine months of 2025, slightly lower than the ₱124.0 billion recorded in the same period last year. Despite inflation easing and improved household spending, the company faced a challenging environment brought by strong industry competition and the economic impact of recent typhoons.

However, Globe demonstrated resilience and recovery momentum, posting ₱41.5 billion in revenues for the third quarter — a 3% quarter-on-quarter increase, marking its fastest sequential growth in 13 quarters. This solid rebound highlights the company’s adaptability and continued digital leadership in the evolving telecommunications landscape.

Mobile and Data Lead the Way

Globe’s mobile business remained the main contributor to overall performance, generating ₱86.2 billion in revenues as of end-September 2025. Mobile data revenues surged to an all-time high of ₱74.0 billion, reflecting Filipinos’ growing reliance on apps for messaging, entertainment, and digital transactions.

The company’s mobile subscriber base expanded to 63.1 million, up 5% year-on-year, while mobile data users rose to 37.8 million. Data now accounts for 86% of Globe’s total mobile service revenues, underscoring the country’s deepening digital engagement.

Average mobile data usage remained steady at 15 GB per month, boosted by higher 5G adoption and improved network experience. Globe’s consistent investments in network infrastructure helped sustain this growth, ensuring reliable connectivity for millions of Filipinos nationwide.

Home Broadband Shows Fiber-Driven Growth

Globe’s home broadband segment posted ₱17.8 billion in revenues for the first nine months, with a notable 4% quarter-on-quarter growth in Q3 2025. The shift to fiber connectivity continues to accelerate, with fiber now accounting for 91% of broadband revenues — up from 86% a year earlier.

The GFiber Prepaid (GFP) service, in particular, has been a standout performer, reaching 700,000 subscribers by September 2025 — a 28% jump from the previous quarter. This rapid growth underscores Globe’s success in making high-speed internet more accessible to Filipino homes.

Complementing this, Globe launched the Globe At Home 5G Loop, a first-of-its-kind innovation offering fiber-like speeds with a portable and plug-and-play setup — enabling seamless connectivity both at home and on the go.

Corporate Data and Digital Solutions Rebound

Corporate data revenues reached ₱15.0 billion, a 3% year-on-year decline due to slower enterprise spending. Yet, the third quarter showed a 13% rebound, driven by increased demand for digital transformation solutions such as cybersecurity, IoT, and data center services.

This shift aligns with Globe’s strategy to evolve beyond connectivity, offering technology-driven services that help businesses thrive in a digital-first economy.

GCash and Digital Platforms Strengthen Performance

Globe’s fintech arm Mynt, the parent company of GCash, remained a strong contributor to growth. Globe’s equity share in Mynt rose 52% to ₱5.3 billion, now accounting for a quarter of the company’s total net income before tax.

GCash continues to dominate as the country’s #1 finance super-app, serving millions of users in the Philippines and abroad. With services spanning payments, credit, insurance, investments, and sustainability initiatives like GForest, GCash is reshaping financial inclusion for Filipinos.

Cost Discipline and Strong Financial Standing

Globe’s EBITDA reached ₱64.2 billion, maintaining a strong margin of 52.8% through effective cost management. Operating expenses decreased by 3% year-on-year, driven by lower marketing and staff costs.

While net income stood at ₱17.7 billion, down 14% year-on-year, Globe’s balance sheet remains solid, with total debt at ₱253.5 billion and leverage ratios comfortably within covenant thresholds.

Capital expenditures were trimmed to ₱31.4 billion, a 23% drop from last year, reflecting Globe’s focused investment strategy. About 89% of this spending was directed toward data-related projects, including 1,375 new cell sites, 8,699 upgraded sites, 60,193 fiber lines, and 877 new 5G sites nationwide.

By September 2025, Globe’s 5G coverage reached 98.7% of Metro Manila and 98.3% of major cities across Visayas and Mindanao — ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity for users nationwide.

Driving Digital Inclusion for a Better Philippines

“Our third-quarter results underscore Globe’s consistent performance and ability to create impact beyond connectivity,” said Carl Raymond R. Cruz, Globe Telecom’s President and CEO. “Our mobile and broadband segments continued to grow, while enterprise and fintech platforms strengthened our long-term value creation.”

Cruz emphasized that Globe remains focused on customer experience and innovation, seeing B2B growth as a key driver for future expansion. The company continues to invest in world-class connectivity and technologies that support a digitally empowered and inclusive Philippines.

As the digital landscape evolves, Globe’s sustained focus on innovation, connectivity, and financial inclusion reinforces its role as a nation-building partner. Through its network advancements, fintech leadership, and strategic cost management, Globe continues to connect more Filipinos to opportunities — empowering communities, businesses, and the nation to thrive in the digital age.

Why Laguindingan Airport Still Has No International Flights — A Reality Check for Northern Mindanao

Robstroy Business , Cagayan de Oro City

While continues to enjoy its status as ’s international gateway with direct flights to , , , and , still waits for its turn. , which serves , , and nearby provinces, remains a purely domestic hub — despite years of promises that it would soon become a full-fledged international airport.

The question on everyone’s mind: Why hasn’t it happened yet?

The Hard Truth Behind the “International” Label

The simple answer is that international routes require more than just an airport that looks ready — it needs a market that’s ready. Airlines don’t launch international flights just because an airport has the facilities. They study passenger demand, tourism strength, economic activity, and the profitability of routes.

At the moment, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan — while growing rapidly — have yet to reach that level of consistent international demand. To put it bluntly, if airlines were to open international routes today, they would likely be flying half-empty planes. And that’s simply not sustainable business.

What Makes an Airport Internationally Viable

Airlines look for three major things before opening routes abroad:

A strong economy – A region that attracts investors and frequent business travel.
Tourism appeal – Destinations that make travelers want to visit, stay, and spend.
Passenger volume – Enough travelers to fill planes regularly, ensuring profitability.

While Northern Mindanao has promising growth in agriculture, industry, and tourism, it’s still catching up in all three areas. Cagayan de Oro is known as a “gateway city,” but it hasn’t yet evolved into a “must-visit city” like Cebu or Davao. The tourism potential is massive — from Camiguin to Bukidnon’s scenic routes — but it needs better packaging, promotion, and accessibility to attract a steady stream of foreign visitors.

The Role of Aboitiz InfraCapital and the 2024 PPP

The 30-year partnership between the Department of Transportation, CAAP, and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) was supposed to be the turning point. The plan was to expand Laguindingan’s capacity from 1.6 million to 3.9 million passengers in Phase 1 and up to 6.3 million in Phase 2.

However, AIC recently confirmed that there are no concrete plans for international flights until at least 2026 — unless airlines themselves decide to launch them earlier. Understandably, this sparked frustration among business groups and local leaders who were expecting faster developments after the turnover.

Why Davao Flies Ahead

Davao City’s success didn’t happen overnight. It took years of economic expansion, international marketing, and airline partnerships. Its connections to Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and even Doha grew from consistent demand driven by tourism, trade, and foreign investments.

Laguindingan can follow that path — but only if Northern Mindanao strengthens its economy and tourism image first. The region must become more than a gateway; it has to be the destination.

The Way Forward

If Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and the rest of Northern Mindanao want to see international flights soon, the region must work together to:

Boost tourism by promoting must-visit attractions like Dahilayan, Camiguin, and Iligan’s waterfalls as world-class experiences.
Grow local industries to attract international investors and trade connections.
Build consistent demand for both inbound and outbound flights through business, leisure, and cultural exchange.

Until then, international airlines will continue to see Laguindingan as a beautiful airport with great potential — but not yet a profitable route.

For now, calling it “Laguindingan International Airport” might sound impressive, but until regular international routes actually take off, the title remains more aspirational than real.

Northern Mindanao’s dream of having true international connectivity isn’t impossible — it just needs time, stronger economic foundations, and a shared vision that turns potential into progress.