📖 About Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro, affectionately called "CDO" or the "City of Golden Friendship," is a highly urbanized city in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. It serves as the regional center and gateway to the island of Mindanao.

The city is internationally recognized as the "Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines" due to the thrilling rapids of the Cagayan de Oro River. Adventure tourism has become a major draw for both domestic and international visitors.

With a rapidly growing economy and modern infrastructure, CDO has emerged as one of the Philippines' most dynamic cities, balancing urban development with natural attractions and cultural heritage.

🎯 Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

CDO is Northern Mindanao's commercial hub, with a diverse economy spanning agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism. The city hosts numerous shopping malls, business centers, and educational institutions.

The local cuisine features unique dishes including "sinuglaw" (grilled pork with ceviche) and "binaki" (sweet corn tamale). The city is also known for its fruit production, particularly pineapples and durian.

The annual Higalaay Festival in August celebrates the city's founding anniversary with street dancing, parades, and cultural performances honoring the spirit of friendship that defines CDO.

📜 History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous Higaonon people. Spanish missionaries established a settlement in the 17th century, naming it after the Cagayan River (from the word "kagay" meaning river).

The city developed as a trading post and grew significantly during the American colonial period. It became a chartered city in 1950 and was designated a highly urbanized city in 1983.

Today, CDO continues to grow as a major economic and educational center, known for the warmth of its people embodied in its nickname, the "City of Golden Friendship."