Councilor Joyleen Mercedes “Girlie” Balaba has called on barangays to identify and showcase distinct local food heritage as part of the city’s tourism development efforts.
This was Balaba’s suggestion when a proposed an ordinance seeking to institutionalize a Regional Culinary Trail for Cagayan de Oro and neighboring localities was presented before the committee on tourism and sister relation, which she presided over.
“In Cagayan de Oro man gud, in every barangay naa sila’y distinct na gina-offer sa ilang pagkaon,” Balaba said.
She cited several examples of local food and culinary offerings, including humba and suman in Iponan, kasoy or cashew nuts in Lumbia, coffee shops in Nazareth, and lechon baboy along Burgos Street.
Balaba said the limited participation of some barangays in the Higalaay Festival represents a missed opportunity to introduce their distinct food offerings and products to visitors and residents.
She emphasized the potential of barangay-level culinary offerings to contribute to the city’s tourism identity by highlighting the unique food traditions and products found across its communities.
Vice Mayor Bebot, on the other hand, explained that the proposed Regional Culinary Trail would go beyond Cagayan de Oro and seek to cover and showcase culinary traditions and practices from localities within a 100-kilometer radius of the city, extending into Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, and Bukidnon.
She cited the city’s historical identity as Cagayan de Misamis as part of the context for exploring culinary traditions connected to the city and its surrounding areas.
The proposed measure also seeks to identify and preserve old and emerging local specialties that could be recognized as part of Cagayan de Oro’s culinary heritage while promoting buy-local and farm-to-table initiatives and certifications. (PGU/SP)
Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez pushed for the immediate endorsement of her proposed ordinance establishing the Cagayan de Oro Culture and Arts Council during its presentation before the committee on tourism and sister city relations.
Co-authored with Councilors Jonjon Rodriguez and Girlie Balaba, the proposed measure was first filed on April 11, 2023.
Its present version incorporates the City Legal Office’s opinion dated September 26, 2024, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) endorsement dated September 15, 2025, along with suggestions raised during the committee’s first meeting and inputs from the Officer-in-Charge of the City Museum.
“I believe we have already given this measure the necessary time for its review, consultations, and refinement,” Vice Mayor Bebot said, emphasizing the importance of moving the proposed ordinance forward.
VM Bebot also noted that while an executive order has already established the council, an ordinance is necessary to institutionalize its functions and ensure the continuity of its programs.
She stressed the importance of having a legislative measure that provides a lasting foundation for the city’s cultural initiatives.
For his part, IPMR Councilor Roberto Cabaring expressed support for the proposed ordinance while emphasizing the importance of involving the cultural community to better showcase their talents and our cultural heritage.
Councilor Girlie Balaba, chair of the City Council committee on tourism and sister city relations and presider of the said meeting, said the committee would await the final revision of the proposed measure, incorporating the comments raised during the meeting and the recommendations of the City Legal Office, before forwarding it to the committee on laws and rules for further consideration. (SPE/SP)
Updated: Oct 2
Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez reminded parents of the importance of being mindful of their children’s cellphone and social media use, particularly the possible effects of excessive screen time on their growth and development.
Speaking during the distribution of assistance in Barangay Nazareth, Rodriguez encouraged parents not to rely on cellphones as a constant source of entertainment or distraction for their children, especially during mealtimes.
He noted that while giving a child a cellphone may sometimes make it easier to get them to eat or keep them occupied, parents can instead use these moments as opportunities to talk, play, and spend meaningful time with their children.
He also acknowledged that cellphones can be useful tools but stressed that they should not become a substitute for parental attention and meaningful interaction.
As chairperson of the committee on social services, Rodriguez emphasized the role of families in creating a supportive environment where children can develop healthy habits, build meaningful relationships, and receive the guidance and attention they need during their formative years.
For Rodriguez, no device can replace the value of a parent being present—listening, talking, playing, and simply spending time with their children. (JDO/SP)
