By Sam Ramos
Despite the rain, the first-ever Higalaay Festival Market was officially launched on August 9, 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez and Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy at the Rio de Oro Boulevard-Isla de Oro.
The event was also attended by members of the 20th City Council, who joined the city’s leadership in celebrating the opening of the market. Councilor Jay Roa Pascual, co-chairperson of the 2024 City Fiesta Committee, spoke on behalf of Mayor Uy, expressing enthusiasm for the market as a new venue for locals and visitors to experience the best of Cagayan de Oro.
“Daghan kaayo taga-Cagayan de Oro nga gapangita og matambayan, and what better place than here at the boulevard for our Higalaay Festival Market,” Pascual said.
The market, which is set to run from August 9 to 31, 2024, aims to highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. It also serves as a platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase local products and culinary offerings, helping to promote the city’s businesses and creativity.
Councilor Pascual urged Kagay-anons to support the market’s participants and expressed gratitude to the event’s organizers and the entrepreneurs who made it possible. The Higalaay Festival Market is open daily from 12 noon to 12 midnight, providing a place for people to gather, shop, and celebrate the festival’s spirit.