CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— Motorists and commuters heading to downtown Cagayan de Oro today should expect traffic rerouting and road restrictions as the city rolls out a special traffic scheme for the Grand Launch of the Higalaay Festival 2026.

The temporary traffic plan will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, around the Rio de Oro Boulevard, where thousands are expected to gather for the festival's opening program.

Acting Assistant Department Manager for Traffic Operations Benedicto Ramiro said the event venue will cover the stretch of the boulevard from beneath the Marcos Bridge to the Puntod entrance along Julio Pacana Street.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes to minimize delays.

The Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) will strictly enforce a no-parking policy on both sides of Burgos Street between J.R. Borja Street and North and South Abellanosa Streets, as well as along North and South Abellanosa Streets from the boulevard to Magsaysay and Manuel Vega Streets.

See Higalaay Festival 2026 schedule here.

A one-way traffic flow will also be implemented along Burgos Street from J.R. Borja Street to Montalvan Street. Left turns from Yacapin Street and Mabini Street toward Burgos Street will not be allowed during the event.

Festival-goers are advised to enter the venue through the Puntod entrance, while designated entry, exit and parking areas have been assigned for authorized and service vehicles.

To help manage traffic, the RTA will deploy about 80 traffic enforcers around the festival grounds. Emergency response teams from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Task Force Oro will also be stationed nearby for quick response.

Ramiro appealed for the public's patience and cooperation, saying the temporary traffic measures are intended to keep motorists, pedestrians and festival-goers safe while ensuring the smooth opening of this year's Higalaay Festival.

He added that traffic adjustments may still be made if needed, depending on road conditions and traffic flow throughout the celebration.