Before the stories fade: How Cagayan de Oro is preserving its living heritage

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — As Cagayan de Oro continues to grow, another effort is quietly taking place: preserving the city’s stories before they are lost.

In homes, kitchens, and communities, traditions are being passed down — but not all of them survive. Some recipes are no longer cooked. Some stories are remembered only by elders. Some cultural practices are slowly fading.

To protect these, the City Museum of Cagayan de Oro and Heritage Studies Center is conducting cultural mapping — a citywide effort to record both tangible and intangible heritage. This includes landmarks, artifacts, oral traditions, and family recipes.

“It is important that our cultural mapping is accurate,” said Dinah Jill Galleros-Migallon, officer-in-charge of the City Museum. “These assets are part of who we are.”

For Migallon, knowing the city’s history helps people understand their identity as Kagay-anons.

“It is important that we remain anchored to our past,” she said.

Saving Food and Traditions

One focus of the project is food heritage.

The museum identified dishes that are no longer commonly prepared. In some cases, recipes were not written down or passed to younger generations.

“We explored the Humba culture in Iponan as well as Manticado and other food preparations,” Migallon said.

The goal is to publish the findings so future generations can learn about these traditions.

Preserving a recipe, she said, also preserves family memories and community identity.

Continuing Historical Work

The project builds on earlier efforts by local historians such as Felomino Bautista, Fr. Francisco Demetrio, Dr. Erlinda Burton, Nenette Roa, and Lourdes Lavina. Their works are available at the Museo de Oro of Xavier University.

Cagayan de Oro now has four museums: the City Museum, Xavier University’s Museo de Oro, Capitol University’s Museum of Three Cultures, and Liceo de Cagayan University’s La Castilla Museum.

The city museum began with three exhibits at the old water tower site and has since expanded to include more galleries and an annex.

But history is not found only inside museums. It can also be seen in churches, parks, heritage sites, and historical markers across the city.

Barangays are now being asked to submit lists of their cultural assets as part of the mapping process.

Teaching Local History

The city is also working with the Department of Education to include local history in school lessons.

“In our schools, we mostly study national history,” Migallon said. “We want to integrate the history of Cagayan de Oro into classrooms.”

Since 2017, the city has worked on developing modules and resources for students. Teachers also encourage museum visits to help students learn more about their city.

For many students, visiting a museum is their first time seeing local artifacts and archives.

Trixie Dhale P. Talle, a faculty member of Capitol University, said these visits help students better understand the place they call home.

Growing Interest

The museum has also welcomed international visitors, including European Union delegates.

Last year, it recorded more than 4,000 visitors — and the number continues to increase.

Why It Matters

Cultural mapping may sound technical, but it asks a simple question: Who are we?

By documenting stories, traditions, and heritage sites, Cagayan de Oro is ensuring its identity is not forgotten. As the city moves forward, remembering its past gives it stronger roots.