CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

City of Golden Friendship

Population

Total (2007) 553,966

Languages

Cebuano (Majority), Filipino and English

General Information

The City of Cagayan de Oro lies along the northern coastline in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is the provincial capital of the province of Misamis Oriental and classified as a first class city. The city serves as the regional center and the most populous highly-urbanized city in Northern Mindanao (Region X). Cagayan de Oro is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and was declared a "Highly-Urbanized City" by the Ministry of Local Government last November 22, 1983. Cagayan de Oro is known by many nicknames such as "Gateway to Northern Mindanao", "City of Whitewater Rafting and River Trekking", "ICT Goldmine of the Philippines" and "A City in Bloom, in Blossom, and in BOOM!” Officially, Cagayan de Oro is known as "Dakbayan sa Bulawanong Panaghigalaay" or in English the "City of Golden Friendship". The phrase is part of the official city seal. The city is a fast rising and bustling city in Northern Mindanao. It is considered as the melting pot of Mindanao, Philippines the second largest island because of its accessibility, business growth, attractions and most of all it’s warm and hospitable people.

Geography

Cagayan de Oro City is located along the central coast of Northern Mindanao. It is situated in Mindanao, the second giant of the archipelago of all the and mass of the Philippines. To the south, the city is bordered by the Bukidnon Province and Lanao del Norte (Iligan City). The Municipality of Opol, Misamis Oriental borders the city on the west and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental to the east. To the north lies Macajalar Bay facing the Bohol Sea. Its total land area is 488.86 km² representing 13.9% of the entire Misamis Oriental Province. It includes 25 kilometers of coastline and a fine deep water harbor, Macajalar Bay. 44.7% of the surface of Cagayan de Oro is classified as agricultural land, and 38.4% is classified as open spaces. The City of Cagayan de Oro is politically subdivided into 80 barrios or barangays. These are grouped into two congressional districts, with 24 barangays in the 1st district (West), and 56 barangays in the 2nd district (East). It has a 57 urban barangays and 23 rural barangays all in all.

Economy

Cagayan de Oro City is one of the progressive cities in the Philippines. It is the business hub of the Northern Mindanao region with the annual income reached to a local record of 1.345 Billion Pesos as of the fiscal year, 2006. The city's economy is largely based on industry, trade, service and tourism. Concentric and Arriba are among the few call centers that have recently opened their doors to the city. With the ongoing construction of the Laguindingan International Airport located in the municipality of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental with International standard, business analysts predict the entry of more foreign and local investments and an increase in tourism activity in the region will make Cagayan de Oro as one of the chief cities in the southern part of the Philippines. The confluence of factors: rapid population increase; rich agricultural and forest lands; minerals; scenic tourist spots; bodies of water; good infrastructures and utilities; the concentration of health, educational and research centers; typhoon-free climate and favorable peace and order condition makes the City of Cagayan de Oro a favorite investment and tourist haven and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Majority of the people of Cagayan de Oro City are Roman Catholics. Other religions include; Christians of various sect, Muslims, Buddhists and others.

Climate

Cagayan de Oro City has a tropical climate. Cagayan de Oro is rarely visited by a typhoon since it is outside the Pacific typhoon belt.

Transportation

By Air - Lumbia Airport, often called as Cagayan de Oro Airport caters domestic flights to and from Manila and Cebu. By Sea - It is the busiest seaport in Northern Mindanao.By Land - Cagayan de Oro City is abundance of jeepneys, taxicabs, tricycle and buses which makes getting around the city quite easier.

Tourism

Due to the national government's aggressive tourism campaign, a local and foreign tourist arrival in the city is on the rise. In 2004, the city registered a tourist arrival of 307,820; an increase from a previous of 232,257 in 2003

Level of Security

No Level