Plaza Divisoria Unveils Dancing Fountain

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Plaza Divisoria has gained a vibrant new attraction with the launch of its colorful Dancing Fountain, adding a fresh and exciting feature to one of the city's most iconic public spaces.

The newly installed fountain showcases synchronized water displays illuminated by colorful lights, creating a relaxing and visually appealing experience for residents and visitors alike. Located at the heart of the city, the attraction has quickly become a favorite spot for evening strolls, family bonding, and photo opportunities.

Aside from the colorful Dancing Fountain, an air-conditioned public restroom has also been added within the park for public use. Unlike before, visitors can now use the facility free of charge, eliminating the need to pay the usual ₱5 restroom fee. The addition provides greater convenience and comfort for both residents and tourists enjoying the area.

The improvements are part of the city's continuing efforts to enhance public spaces and make Plaza Divisoria a more welcoming destination for everyone.

Meanwhile, Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy has also shared plans to revive a portion of the popular Night Café concept along El Pueblo A Sus Heroes. Unlike the previous setup that featured various food stalls and vendors, the proposed concept will focus primarily on coffee shops operating every Friday and Saturday.

The initiative aims to create a relaxing weekend atmosphere where residents and visitors can enjoy coffee, socialize, and spend quality time in the city center. The planned coffee strip is expected to complement the newly launched Dancing Fountain and further boost nighttime activities in downtown Cagayan de Oro.

With these developments, the city continues to invest in projects that enhance public spaces, encourage tourism, and provide enjoyable experiences for Kagay-anons and visitors alike.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Kagay-anons and music fans across Northern Mindanao are in for a spectacular night as IV Of Spades officially includes Cagayan de Oro City in its highly anticipated Andalucia Tour 2026, set for June 27, 2026, at the Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center.

The concert is part of the band's first-ever nationwide headline tour following their historic two-night sold-out comeback shows at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, which marked a triumphant return for one of the Philippines’ most beloved modern rock bands.

IV OF SPADES Returns Bigger Than Ever

Following overwhelming demand from fans across the country, IV OF SPADES and concert producer KARPOS are bringing the full Andalucia concert experience to key cities nationwide, with Cagayan de Oro selected as the Northern Mindanao stop of the tour.

Fans can expect a massive live production featuring a more than two-hour performance and a setlist of approximately 30 songs, including every track from the band's latest album, Andalucia, along with the fan-favorite hits that helped define a generation of Filipino music lovers.

The tour follows widespread praise for the band's comeback concerts, which showcased their signature sound, musical evolution, and undeniable chemistry on stage.

A Major Concert Event for Northern Mindanao

The Cagayan de Oro leg is expected to draw thousands of fans not only from the city but also from neighboring areas including Bukidnon, Iligan, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and other parts of Mindanao.

Known for hosting major concerts and national events, the Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center will serve as the backdrop for what could become one of the biggest live music events in Northern Mindanao in 2026.

For local fans who missed the sold-out Manila shows, this is a rare opportunity to experience the band's celebrated live performance without traveling to the capital.

Andalucia Tour 2026 Schedule

The nationwide tour includes five major stops:

• May 31, 2026 – USeP Gymnasium, Davao City
• June 6, 2026 – Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex, Santa Rosa
• June 27, 2026 – Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center, Cagayan de Oro City
• July 18, 2026 – SM Seaside Cebu Arena, Cebu City
• August 16, 2026 – John Hay Convention Center, Baguio

Tickets Now Available

Tickets for the Andalucia Tour 2026 are now on sale through the official KARPOS website.

For ticket details and updates, visit:

KARPOS Official Website

Don't Miss IV OF SPADES Live in CDO

With a full album performance, fan-favorite hits, and a production inspired by their acclaimed arena comeback, the Andalucia Tour promises to deliver an unforgettable concert experience for Kagay-anons and music enthusiasts throughout Northern Mindanao.

Mark your calendars for June 27, 2026, and get ready to witness IV OF SPADES live in Cagayan de Oro City as they bring the magic of Andalucia to the City of Golden Friendship.

Cagayan de Oro is stepping into a bold new era as the perspective of its proposed City Government Complex has officially been unveiled—and it’s more than just a new set of buildings. It’s a vision of a future-ready, sustainable, and more efficient city for every Kagay-anon.

Set to rise in Uptown at the intersection of SM Bypass Road and Zayas–Canitoan Road, the 22.9-hectare development signals a major shift from the city’s historic center to a more modern and expansive civic hub.

A Modern Hub in the Making

The upcoming complex is designed to bring together key government functions in one well-planned area. With a masterplan that balances functionality and sustainability, the project reflects how Cagayan de Oro is evolving alongside its rapid growth.

Here’s what to expect inside the new government center:

This is not just about expanding space—it’s about creating a smarter, more organized environment for public service.

Addressing a Growing City’s Needs

For over 85 years, the current City Hall has served as the heart of governance in Cagayan de Oro. But with the city’s population and economic activity continuously growing, the need for a larger, more efficient government facility has become increasingly clear.

The new complex aims to decongest the existing City Hall, improve workflow across departments, and provide a better overall experience for residents accessing government services.

In simple terms: faster transactions, better facilities, and a more comfortable space for both employees and the public.

A Shift Toward Sustainability and Smart Development

One of the standout features of the project is its focus on sustainability. With green building elements integrated into the design, the complex is expected to reduce environmental impact while promoting energy efficiency.

This aligns with the broader vision of transforming Cagayan de Oro into a city that not only grows economically but also prioritizes environmental responsibility.

More Than Infrastructure—A Symbol of Progress

Beyond the buildings and facilities, this new government complex represents something bigger. It reflects the city’s ambition to modernize, improve governance, and prepare for the future.

From a historic City Hall that has witnessed decades of growth, to a next-generation civic center in Uptown, the transition marks a significant milestone in Cagayan de Oro’s journey.

As development continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the city is not just expanding—it’s transforming into a more dynamic, accessible, and forward-thinking urban center.

The unveiling of the Cagayan de Oro City Government Complex gives a glimpse of what’s ahead—a city that’s ready to meet the demands of the future while staying grounded in its rich history.

For Kagay-anons, this isn’t just a new location for government offices. It’s a step toward a better, more efficient, and more sustainable Cagayan de Oro.

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What’s Next for the Philippines?

A major new development is set to reshape the urban landscape of Cagayan de Oro City as Terrazas de Oro, a 37-hectare mixed-use project, prepares to rise in the upland district of Indahag. Envisioned as a modern, integrated community that blends urban growth with the natural landscape, the project is expected to become one of the most significant business and lifestyle destinations in Northern Mindanao in the coming years.

Masterplanned by the renowned urban planning firm Palafox Associates and developed by Gedah Holdings Inc., the project represents an estimated ₱27-billion investment that signals strong confidence in the continued growth of Cagayan de Oro.

Originally introduced during an investment forum at Shangri-La Plaza in 2023, the development—formerly known as Paraiso Hill—has evolved into what is now called Terrazas de Oro, a name that reflects its terraced, mountainside concept overlooking the city and nearby river systems.

A 37-Hectare Vision for a Modern Mixed-Use Community

Located in Indahag, Terrazas de Oro will occupy a strategic mountainside site that offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape while maintaining strong connections to major city destinations.

The development will be anchored along Dahino Drive, with easy access to key areas such as the Cagayan de Oro Convention Center and the emerging Lumbia Airfield redevelopment zone.

The master plan envisions a fully integrated mixed-use environment that will include:

• Commercial and retail districts
• Residential communities
• Hotels and hospitality spaces
• Leisure and lifestyle destinations
• Walkable streets and public spaces
• Open areas designed to integrate with the mountainside terrain

Rather than developing isolated buildings, the concept focuses on creating a connected district where people can live, work, and relax within the same community.

This approach is increasingly becoming the global standard for modern urban development.

Why This Development Is Significant for Cagayan de Oro

For many years, growth in Cagayan de Oro has largely expanded toward the west and south of the city. Developments such as malls, business parks, and residential communities have steadily transformed the urban landscape.

However, Indahag and the surrounding upland districts remain among the city’s most promising but underdeveloped areas.

The rise of Terrazas de Oro is significant for several reasons:

1. Expanding Urban Growth Toward the Uplands

As the city center becomes denser, new developments in elevated districts help distribute growth more evenly. This reduces congestion in traditional commercial hubs while opening new economic zones.

2. Strengthening CDO’s Position as Northern Mindanao’s Business Hub

With a ₱27-billion investment, Terrazas de Oro reflects increasing investor confidence in Cagayan de Oro’s economy. Large-scale developments like this attract businesses, hospitality brands, and service industries that generate employment and investment opportunities.

3. Supporting Tourism and Lifestyle Development

Because of its elevated location and scenic views, the area has strong potential for tourism-oriented establishments such as boutique hotels, cafes, view decks, and recreational spaces.

4. Creating a Planned Community Rather Than Fragmented Development

Unlike traditional urban expansion where structures grow without a unified plan, masterplanned communities provide organized road networks, public spaces, and balanced land use.

This leads to a more livable urban environment.

Is the Project Sustainable?

One of the core principles behind the Terrazas de Oro master plan is working with nature rather than against it.

The development is designed to harmonize with its mountainside and riverfront setting, an approach that modern urban planners increasingly prioritize.

Key sustainability considerations typically included in developments of this type may involve:

Terrain-sensitive design
Instead of flattening the landscape, terraced development allows structures to follow the natural slope of the land. This reduces soil disturbance and preserves the natural character of the area.

Walkable urban layout
Pedestrian-oriented streets reduce dependence on vehicles and encourage healthier, community-focused living.

Integrated green spaces
Open areas, landscaped zones, and environmental buffers help maintain ecological balance and improve air quality.

Water and drainage management
Developments in elevated areas require careful drainage planning to prevent erosion and manage stormwater runoff.

Because the master plan was designed by Palafox Associates—one of the Philippines’ leading urban planning firms—these sustainability elements are typically integrated into the early stages of development planning.

Environmental Safety and Community Considerations

Whenever large-scale developments are introduced, questions naturally arise about environmental impact and safety for nearby communities.

In the Philippines, projects of this scale are generally required to undergo environmental impact assessments and regulatory approvals before construction can proceed.

These processes often include:

• Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC)
• Drainage and flood control planning
• Soil stability and slope protection studies
• Road access and traffic planning
• Community and land-use compatibility reviews

When properly implemented, these safeguards help ensure that development is both environmentally responsible and structurally safe.

For hillside projects like Terrazas de Oro, slope protection, terracing, and proper vegetation management are particularly important to maintain land stability.

A New Benchmark for Urban Development in Northern Mindanao

Terrazas de Oro represents more than just another real estate project—it signals the evolution of urban planning in Cagayan de Oro.

Rather than uncoordinated expansion, the project reflects a shift toward masterplanned, mixed-use communities designed for long-term sustainability, connectivity, and quality of life.

If executed successfully, the development could serve as a benchmark for future projects in the region, demonstrating how economic growth, modern infrastructure, and environmental sensitivity can coexist.

As Cagayan de Oro continues to grow as a regional center for commerce, tourism, and innovation, developments like Terrazas de Oro highlight the city’s potential to become one of the most dynamic urban centers in Mindanao.

Terrazas de Oro may soon become one of the city’s most recognizable modern communities—where urban living meets the natural beauty of Cagayan de Oro’s hills and rivers.

EVs Are Already Here—Our Infrastructure Must Catch Up

The rise of EVs in Cagayan de Oro didn’t happen overnight. High fuel prices, increasing environmental awareness, and the availability of EV models in the Philippine market have pushed more Kagay-anons to consider electric mobility. However, one major concern remains: charging access.

Without enough charging stations, EV adoption slows down. By requiring new buildings—especially condominiums, malls, offices, and industrial facilities—to include EV charging points, the city removes a major barrier for future EV owners. This proactive move ensures that infrastructure grows alongside demand, not years behind it.

A Smart Urban Planning Move for a Growing City

CDO is a rapidly expanding urban center. New subdivisions, mixed-use developments, and business hubs are constantly being built. Adding EV charging provisions now is far more cost-effective than retrofitting buildings later. Legislating this early sends a clear message: Cagayan de Oro is planning for the long term.

Cities that prepare early for EV integration benefit from smoother transitions, reduced congestion from fuel-based transport, and more efficient energy use. This is not just about vehicles—it’s about smart, future-ready urban planning.

Environmental Benefits We Can’t Ignore

Promoting EVs aligns perfectly with CDO’s environmental goals. Traditional vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution and carbon emissions. EVs, on the other hand, produce zero tailpipe emissions. With proper legislation encouraging EV use, the city can reduce its carbon footprint, improve air quality, and promote healthier living conditions for residents.

As climate change continues to impact Mindanao through stronger typhoons and unpredictable weather, local governments must act. Encouraging EV use through supportive infrastructure is a practical and impactful response.

Encouraging Citizens to Embrace EVs

Legislation doesn’t just regulate—it influences behavior. When people see EV charging points becoming a standard feature in homes, offices, and malls, EV ownership becomes more practical and less intimidating. Accessibility builds confidence.

This also helps normalize EVs in daily life. Just like parking slots and bike racks, EV chargers become a visible symbol of progress and environmental responsibility.

Economic and Investment Opportunities

EV-ready buildings are more attractive to investors, developers, and future tenants. Businesses benefit from lower operational costs, while property developers gain a competitive edge by offering modern, sustainable features.

By leading in EV legislation, CDO positions itself as a forward-thinking city—an attractive destination for green investments and technology-driven industries.

The Right Time Is Now

Waiting means falling behind. EV adoption in Cagayan de Oro is already happening, and legislation should support—not delay—this transition. Requiring EV charging points in new domestic and industrial buildings is a practical, achievable step that benefits citizens, the environment, and the city’s future.

Cagayan de Oro has always been a city of innovation and resilience. By promoting EV use today through smart legislation, we ensure that tomorrow’s CDO is cleaner, greener, and ready for what’s next.

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 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:

1. A strong economy – A region that attracts investors and frequent business travel.

2. Tourism appeal – Destinations that make travelers want to visit, stay, and spend.

3. 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.

Cagayan de Oro's ambitious 'The New City' in Barangay Lumbia is making progress! This 60-hectare mixed-use township project is central to the City Government's strategy to generate substantial revenue and provide comprehensive urban development.

Photo from: Northern Mindanao ETC

As of October 2025, the latest aerial progress shows Phase 1 land development has officially commenced, spearheaded by the Department of Housing Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD).

🏗️ What is Planned for 'The New City'?

Envisioned for completion in four phases, this large-scale project aims to create a fully integrated, self-sustaining community, featuring:

• Residential Communities: Including the flagship Klarexville 7 City Heights Village—a cluster of 5-storey residential buildings under the national Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
• Commercial Hubs and Establishments
• A Convention Center and Hotel & Resort
• Low- to Mid-Rise Condominium Developments
• Essential Social and Public Facilities for health services, basic education, and social welfare.

This builds on the groundwork from last year, which focused on the Klarexville 1 socialized condo project to address the city's significant 30,000-unit housing backlog for the poor, a crucial initiative led by the City Housing Urban Development Department (CHUDD).

⚠️ A Critical Look: Learning from Global 'Ghost Cities'

While 'The New City' holds immense promise for CDO, large-scale, pre-planned urban developments worldwide serve as cautionary tales that must be considered.

Projects like Malaysia's Forest City (built near Singapore) and several of China's New Cities have struggled with low occupancy, earning them the label "ghost cities." Their issues stem largely from:

• Over-reliance on Speculative Investment: In China, many properties were bought as financial assets rather than homes, leading to high vacancy rates.
• Location and Economic Base: Forest City, despite its massive $100 billion investment, currently only houses around 20,000 residents out of a planned 700,000 (less than 3% occupancy as of early 2025). Its remote location and failure to attract the diverse businesses needed to support a large population were key factors in its lack of success.
• Building Ahead of Demand: Some Chinese New Cities were built fully before the population arrived, assuming rapid migration and growth that never materialized.

For CDO's 'The New City' to thrive, careful planning must ensure the township is not just built, but actively made attractive and viable for residents. This means prioritizing the development of job opportunities, accessible public transportation links to the main city, and a strong local economy alongside the housing units. The focus on socialized housing like Klarexville is a positive step toward meeting genuine, existing demand.

What are your thoughts on 'The New City' project? What is the most important feature that will make it a truly successful, living city?

To see the cautionary tale of one of these developments, check out this video: Every FAILED Megacity Project Explained in 9 Minutes. This video provides a detailed breakdown of ambitious megacity projects, including Malaysia's Forest City, that ultimately failed to attract a population.