Curtains Rise by the River: A New Stage for Cagayan de Oro

COURTESY: Cong. Rufus Rodriguez

A Grand Vision Unfolds

Under the bright skies of Cagayan de Oro City, a landmark moment took place — the **𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝟱𝟬 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔**. Spearheaded by Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, the ribbon-cutting was more than ceremonial — it marked the birth of a cultural and environmental jewel at the heart of Barangay 6.  

The P50-million project features a magnificent Open Theatre, a scenic River View Deck, a spacious car park, and rentable commercial spaces designed for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products. Transitioning from vision to reality, this venue promises to be a melting pot where artistry meets sustainability, drawing both Kagay-anons and tourists into memorable experiences.  

A Breath of Fresh Air for the City

This development is not just about aesthetics; it’s a vibrant chapter in **Project Lunhaw**, the City Government’s initiative to enhance Cagayan de Oro’s climate resilience. By transforming Plaza Divisoria into a walkable, bikable, and verdant urban haven, the city is taking proactive steps towards eco-friendly modernization. The open spaces invite the community to gather, celebrate, and reconnect — with culture, with nature, and with each other. 

Present during the turnover were Barangay 6 Kap. Ian Glenn L. Chui, Project Lunhaw Head Patrick Gabutina, and DPWH 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) leaders, including District Engineer Jan Paulo Lisondra. Their collaboration showcases how visionaries and engineers can unite to shape a city that’s ready for the future yet rooted in its heritage.  

**In essence**, the Open Theater and River Viewing Deck stand as more than infrastructure — they are symbols of hope, creativity, and environmental stewardship. With each performance held and every visitor welcomed, Cagayan de Oro steps closer to becoming a city where progress and paradise meet.

Queen of the Chessboard: Ruelle Canino’s Journey to the SEA Games

COURTESY: MDS/CIO/Photos Courtesy by CMO and Iren Fuentes/CIO

A Regal Courtesy Visit Before Battle

In a heartwarming show of pride and support, SOUTH East Asian (SEA) Games qualifier Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy on Monday, November 10, at City Hall. This meeting came exactly ten days ahead of her highly anticipated November 20 schedule at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The visit was more than a formality—it was a fusion of inspiration and recognition, a moment when the city united behind its rising chess star.  

Ruelle, often celebrated as the *Queen of the Chessboard*, carries herself with quiet confidence and an undeniable aura of determination. Just last month, she clinched six gold medals in the Batang Pinoy 2025 competition in General Santos City, securing an impressive first runner-up spot in the overall individual rankings. The Mayor’s words of encouragement served as a rallying cry, reminding her and the city that determination and skill know no bounds.  

From Victory to Representing a Nation

Earning gold medals is no small feat, yet Ruelle’s journey is far from over. With every calculated move on the chessboard, she sharpens her strategy, preparing to represent both Cagayan de Oro City and the Philippines in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. This prestigious stage will challenge her like never before, but she steps into it with resolve and pride.  

In her own heartfelt words, “Happy ko kay nagdala ko ug garbo sa atong syudad, labi na sa akong pamilya” (“I’m happy that I bring pride to our city, especially to my family”). These words echo the sentiments of many young athletes whose victories go beyond personal achievement—they become symbols of hope and unity for the communities they represent. As Thailand awaits its competitors, Ruelle’s story becomes a shining testament to dedication, talent, and the unbreakable bond between an athlete and her hometown.  

From the halls of City Hall to the global stage of the SEA Games, Ruelle Canino’s journey is proof that discipline and passion can crown champions. As the chessboard awaits its queen, the city holds its breath in anticipation, ready to cheer for every victorious move.  

Bringing the Heart of the City to the Heart of the Barangay: KSB Goes to Puerto

DYM/CIO/Photo courtesy to Kim Zaldivar/CIO

A Vibrant Day in Puerto

The morning sun cast a golden glow over Barangay Puerto as the community buzzed with anticipation. It was no ordinary day. *KSB goes to Puerto*, a meaningful outreach led by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, had arrived to make a difference. Through the beloved **‘Klarex nga Serbisyo sa Baryo’ (KSB)** program, City Hall’s departments converged in the barangay, offering essential services with warm smiles and open hands.  

The air was infused with a sense of unity. Residents came not just to avail themselves of free government services, but to personally connect with the people working behind the scenes for the city’s progress. The **Klarex administration**’s commitment was clear: government is not a distant institution—it’s here, in the streets and barangays, standing alongside the people it serves.  

Services That Touch Lives

From medical check-ups to legal consultations, the offerings reflected the city’s dedication to improving everyday lives. The initiative aims to provide free government services and strengthen the city’s commitment to bringing the government closer to the people. Transitioning between different service booths, residents discovered how accessibility transforms necessity into empowerment.  

Moreover, the program reinforced trust. By showing up consistently each week, the **KSB program** nurtures a relationship between the government and the community that goes beyond policy—it builds connection and mutual respect. For Barangay Puerto, that Saturday morning became more than a calendar event; it turned into a story of service, compassion, and hope.  

The KSB initiative is proof that when leaders step into the neighborhoods, they bridge gaps that statistics and speeches can’t. Puerto experienced not just service delivery, but a heartfelt reminder: the city belongs to its people, and together, they can flourish.