From Gateway to Growth: How Cagayan de Oro City is Powering Northern Mindanao’s Investment Future

COURTESY: GDA/PIA-10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) is making waves in the region with a renewed call for stronger collaboration between national investment policy-makers and local implementers. As Northern Mindanao’s economy continues to expand, initiatives like the BOI-Awareness Seminar to Strengthen the Investors and Stakeholders (BOI-ASSIST) are taking center stage in shaping a future that thrives on innovation, opportunity, and sustainable growth.  

Through close coordination with the Cagayan de Oro City Government, the BOI is building bridges between investors and decision-makers—helping transform policy into real, operational projects. But what exactly makes this effort a game-changer? Let’s explore.  

Building a Stronger Investment Climate in Cagayan de Oro City

On October 28, the city played host to BOI-ASSIST, a key event designed to update the local business community and stakeholders on the latest in investment opportunities, fiscal incentives, and ease of doing business programs. The discussions touched on vital topics such as the CREATE MORE Act—tools that pave the way for investors to navigate both national and local systems with speed and clarity.  

Bobby F. Fondevilla, Executive Director of the BOI-Investment Assistance Center, stressed that the initiative is about more than policies; it’s about creating an environment where trust, transparency, and opportunity intersect. This means ensuring that every investor knows how to access the full suite of BOI support—from fiscal perks to operational reforms—without unnecessary delays.  

**Transitioning from policy to action**, the BOI has set its sights on turning investment approvals into operational realities by 2026. This vision reinforces a critical truth: successful investments are not just measured in capital, but in thriving industries and empowered local communities.  

Northern Mindanao’s Rising Economic Power

Cagayan de Oro City is not just a stopover—it’s a strategic gateway to trade, investment, and innovation in Mindanao. As DTI-10 Assistant Regional Director Almer R. Masillones noted, the region’s growth rests on powerful economic pillars. Bukidnon continues to rank among the nation’s top agricultural producers, while neighboring Misamis Oriental fuels industrial expansion. Together, they form a vibrant economic ecosystem.  

With infrastructure developments accelerating and investor confidence rising, Northern Mindanao is stepping into a new era of prosperity. Programs like BOI-ASSIST do more than share information—they foster trust and cooperation between the public and private sectors, ensuring that opportunities are not just available but also accessible to all.  

City Administrator Roy Hilario P. Raagas summed it up perfectly: development must be measured not only in statistics but in the quality of life for citizens. By nurturing an investment-friendly climate, Cagayan de Oro City is ensuring that both businesses and residents benefit from progress—making it a true hub for sustainable regional growth.  

The road ahead for Cagayan de Oro City and Northern Mindanao is paved with promise. Through strengthened partnerships, sound investment policies, and unwavering local support, this thriving region is positioning itself as a beacon of opportunity in the Philippines. With BOI-ASSIST as a catalyst, the vision of inclusive, innovation-driven growth is no longer a distant aspiration—it’s an unfolding reality.

Bulua is About to Get Tastier – UPDATE on KFC & Seattle’s Best!

IMAGE CREDITS: Jazan Bongcarawan

The Buzz in Brgy. Bulua  

If you’ve been cruising around Bulua lately, you’ve probably noticed something exciting popping up – and no, it’s not just more traffic!  Big news: **UPDATE | KFC & Seattle’s Best – Bulua!** The 5th KFC and the 2nd Seattle’s Best Coffee in Cagayan de Oro are *rising fast*. Seriously, it’s like the buildings just sprouted overnight.  

The standalone KFC store is *almost* ready for fry-day (pun totally intended). Only a bit of roadwork remains, and if whispers around the barangay are true, it’s expected to open later this month. Can you already imagine grabbing crispy chicken with a side of fries while watching the world go by? Because same.  

Coffee Meets Crispy: The Perfect Combo  

Meanwhile, right next door-ish, the Seattle’s Best building is looking gorgeous! The main structure is done, and the crew is now focusing on making it pretty with both **interior and exterior finishing** over the next couple of weeks. If lattes had a vibe, this coffee shop would be it – comfy, classy, and caffeinated. 

Transitioning from chicken to coffee might seem weird at first, but honestly? It’s genius. You can grab lunch at KFC, then wander over to Seattle’s Best for your post-meal caffeine fix. Bulua is basically turning into a foodie pit stop – and we are *so here for it*! 

Whether you’re a fried chicken fanatic or a coffee connoisseur, Bulua’s about to be your happy place. So keep your stomachs (and camera phones) ready, because once those doors open, it’s going to be a delicious grand reveal!

Bricks of Hope: Building Dreams in Camaman-an Elementary School

COURTESY: Congressman Rufus Rodriguez

A New Dawn for Learning

The air was filled with excitement as officials and community members gathered for the groundbreaking of a new **SCHOOL BUILDING** inside Camaman-an Elementary School in Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City. Headed by Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, accompanied by his chief-of-staff Atty. Regine Rodriguez, the moment marked yet another step toward fulfilling the promise of quality and accessible education. This project, funded with ₱20 million, is not just about laying cement—it’s about laying the foundation for a brighter future.  

Much-needed **DUGANG CLASSROOMS ITUKOD SA CAMAMAN-AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL** will soon rise, answering the call to address classroom shortages in the city. For Cong. Rufus, this is more than just a priority; it’s a mission. As children look forward to plastered and safe rooms where they can learn without worry, the vision of a better learning environment takes shape before our very eyes.  

Collaboration for a Stronger Future

The groundbreaking ceremony itself was a celebration of unity. Camaman-an ES principal Dr. Paul Badon stood proudly with the Department of Public Works and Highways’ 2nd District Engineering Office, led by District Engineer Jan Paulo Lisondra. Alongside them were key community leaders such as Kap. Bodie Galarrita, Kag. Maria Lorna Namoc, Kag. Ernesto Atok, and Comrade Alicia Y. Cables. Their presence symbolized the collective effort in making education a true priority.  

Moreover, Cong. Rufus’s vision extends far beyond just constructing new classrooms. Plans to rehabilitate the school gym and improve flood control in the area showcase his holistic approach to development. Step by step, the community is witnessing transformations that will echo for generations—proof that when leaders and citizens work hand in hand, progress is inevitable.  

This new school building is more than a structure; it’s a promise fulfilled, a dream realized, and a testament to what can happen when leadership, funding, and community spirit align. Soon, every child walking through the gates of Camaman-an Elementary School will have a safe, inspiring space to learn, grow, and envision a brighter tomorrow.