Terrazas de Oro: Where Nature Meets Opportunity in the Heart of Cagayan de Oro

IMAGE CREDITS: PALAFOX

In the gentle embrace of Indahag’s rolling hills lies a dream that is swiftly becoming reality—**an emerging benchmark for well-planned, mixed-use communities in Cagayan de Oro**. Spread across a sprawling **37-hectare site**, Terrazas de Oro is more than just a development; it is a vision, meticulously crafted to create a harmonious blend of commerce, leisure, and everyday living.  

Anchored gracefully along Dahino Drive, this community harnesses its **mountainside and riverfront landscape** with respect and ingenuity. Unlike urban projects that overwhelm nature, Terrazas de Oro works *with* its surroundings, allowing the whispering rivers and lush hilltops to guide its design. The result is a place where walkable streets invite exploration, where hotel clusters neighbor vibrant marketplaces, and where residents can live in rhythm with the land.  

A Community Rooted in Connection and Sustainability

Terrazas de Oro is **envisioned as a holistic, sustainable, and inclusive community**—a rare fusion of environment, economy, and social life. This is **mixed-use development done right**, creating a seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.  

Through **pedestrian-oriented streets**, it fosters human interaction and reduces reliance on cars. Mixed-use commercial zones bring shops, cafés, and services within reach, while residential clusters offer diverse living spaces that cater to different lifestyles. Beyond its borders, strong connections to the **CDO Convention Center** and **Lumbia Airfield** expand opportunities for business and travel, making Terrazas de Oro not only a destination but also a gateway to greater horizons.  

Shaping the Future of Urban Living in CDO

What makes Terrazas de Oro truly remarkable is its **thoughtful land-use integration**. Every element—from where buildings stand to how streets curve—follows a plan that encourages walkability, connectivity, and economic vibrancy. By balancing growth with environmental stewardship, Terrazas de Oro plants the seeds for a future where communities flourish alongside the natural world.  

It stands as a beacon of what’s possible when vision meets purpose: a place where people can work, play, and grow without losing sight of the mountains or the river. Here, growth, community, and nature move forward together—hand in hand. 

Elevating Travel: The Transformation of Laguindingan International Airport

COURTESY: PIA

MISAMIS ORIENTAL — In the heart of Mindanao, Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) is undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC). This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing passenger convenience and operational efficiency, showcasing how infrastructure can significantly improve the travel experience. With these enhancements, AIC is not only focusing on aesthetics but also on practical upgrades that cater to the needs of today's travelers.

AIC Vice President and Head of Airports, Rafael M. Aboitiz, emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating, “We are happy to note that we continue to execute enhancements across AIC Airports, including Laguindingan International Airport.” These improvements are vital during peak travel periods, as they facilitate smoother passenger movement and streamline airport operations. As travelers navigate through the terminal, they will notice clearer pathways and intuitive access to key areas, making their journey more enjoyable.

Comfortable and Inclusive Facilities

One of the standout features of the terminal improvements is the optimized seating arrangement. By rearranging gang chairs, LIA now accommodates more passengers without compromising comfort. This thoughtful redesign supports higher foot traffic and ensures a more orderly environment, making the terminal experience much more pleasant. Travelers can now relax in comfort, knowing that their needs have been considered during the redesign process.

Moreover, AIC has prioritized inclusivity by procuring additional wheelchairs for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. This initiative fosters a more welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that all travelers receive the support they need. Enhanced lighted signages throughout the terminal improve visibility, allowing passengers to navigate with ease. With these upgrades, LIA not only enhances the travel experience but also sets a standard for accessibility and convenience in airport operations.

As AIC continues to develop and modernize LIA, along with Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the future looks bright for travelers in Northern Mindanao. Starting in 2025, the introduction of more modernization projects will further elevate the passenger experience, making Philippine airports globally competitive. For those flying out of LIA, the convenience of direct access to destinations like Siquijor and San Vicente, Palawan, via Mactan-Cebu International Airport, is just one of the many benefits of this evolving infrastructure. 

The enhancements at Laguindingan International Airport are a testament to AIC's dedication to improving the travel experience for everyone. With a focus on comfort, accessibility, and operational excellence, LIA is poised to become a gateway that travelers will embrace with enthusiasm.

Reviving Hope: The Inauguration of Mahayag Dam and Solar-Powered Irrigation in Zamboanga del Sur

COURTESY: PIA

In a significant step towards agricultural revitalization, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the rehabilitated Mahayag Dam in Zamboanga del Sur, alongside the turnover of innovative solar-powered pump irrigation projects (SPIPs) on Thursday. This momentous occasion marks a turning point for the region, promising not only enhanced agricultural productivity but also a renewed sense of hope for local communities.

The Mahayag Dam, strategically located in the municipality of Mahayag, serves as a major diversion structure for the Salug River Irrigation System—the largest irrigation network in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Recently reconstructed, the dam now provides efficient water diversion and improves irrigation reliability, ensuring that over 3,100 farmers and their families will benefit from its operational capability. As President Marcos aptly stated, “Ibig sabihin, magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang suplay ng tubig. Hindi lamang mapararami ang inyong mga ani—mapapanatag din kayo na matutugunan ninyo ang araw-araw ninyong pangangailangan.” This commitment to stable water supply not only promises bountiful harvests but also addresses the daily needs of farmers and their families.

Moreover, the dam plays a critical role in enhancing flood control and safety for homes and livelihoods in the province. The reconstruction followed severe flooding that had previously devastated the area, affecting municipalities like Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, and Sominot. By ensuring the dam's operational readiness, the government is fortifying these communities against future natural disasters. President Marcos emphasized that “Sa pagsasaayos ng Mahayag Dam, hindi lamang tayo nag-iimbak ng tubig. Nag-iimbak din tayo ng pag-asa at magandang kinabukasan,” highlighting the dual purpose of this vital infrastructure project.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun: Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Projects

In tandem with the dam's inauguration, President Marcos also introduced 20 solar-powered pump irrigation projects (SPIPs), aimed at enhancing the local irrigation system through clean and affordable energy. This innovative initiative will significantly reduce farmers' dependence on costly diesel and electricity while simultaneously minimizing carbon emissions that contribute to pollution. As agriculture increasingly faces the challenges of climate change, these solar-powered solutions offer a sustainable path forward.

The implementation of SPIPs will enable farmers to efficiently manage water distribution and irrigation, as the maintenance of the solar panels and pump systems will be supported by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). This collaborative approach ensures that the benefits of these projects are maximized, empowering local irrigators' associations to take charge of water management. By integrating renewable energy into agricultural practices, the government is not only strengthening food security but also enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

The inauguration of the Mahayag Dam and the rollout of solar-powered pump irrigation projects signal a transformative era for Zamboanga del Sur. With improved irrigation systems and a commitment to sustainability, the local agricultural landscape is set to flourish, bringing with it renewed hope and prosperity for countless families. As we embrace these advancements, we look forward to a future where innovation and resilience pave the way for a thriving agricultural community.