CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — If you're planning to join this year's Higalaay Festival, expect tighter security and emergency responders on standby throughout the month.
If you're planning to join this year's festivities, CDO's Higalaay Festival packs August with food, music and fun, prompting local authorities to step up safety protocols. The city has activated its Incident Management Team (IMT) for the entire month of August to oversee safety, traffic, emergency response, and crowd management during the Higalaay Festival 2026, ensuring residents and visitors can celebrate with greater peace of mind.
Leading the operations is City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department chief Nick Jabagat as Incident Commander, with Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Director Col. Dexter G. Paje serving as deputy incident commander.
The activation complements the deployment of more than 300 police personnel from the COCPO, reinforced by officers from Camp Alagar and Task Force Oro, who have been assigned to secure festival venues, particularly major events expected to draw large crowds.
The IMT brings together national government agencies, key City Hall offices, volunteer organizations, and emergency responders to coordinate public safety operations, emergency preparedness, traffic management, and the protection of public and private properties throughout the festivities. As these measures roll out, motorists should note that the Higalaay traffic plan starts today: Roads closed, reroutes in effect, and city officials reminded festivalgoers to follow security advisories, cooperate with authorities, observe temporary traffic schemes, and practice "Clean As You Go" (CLAYGO) by properly disposing of their trash after attending festival events.
City officials also reminded festivalgoers to follow security advisories, cooperate with authorities, observe temporary traffic schemes, and practice "Clean As You Go" (CLAYGO) by properly disposing of their trash after attending festival events.
With thousands expected to participate in the month-long celebration honoring the city's patron, St. Augustine, authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and work with responders to help keep Higalaay 2026 safe, orderly, and enjoyable for everyone. (Ben Balce, Editorial Lead)
