CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Local bakeshop owners and home bakers across Cagayan de Oro are set to gain free access to professional training, cost-efficiency strategies, and modern baking tools during the upcoming Higalaay Festival 2026.
Through a joint initiative between the city government and Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour, the annual festival will feature the "Sugod Bakery Caravan"—a community-focused program designed to help local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) modernize their operations and improve product quality to be held on August 25 and 26.
For community bakeries facing shifting market demands and rising operational costs, the workshop series offers practical training in commercial food safety, updated production methods, and cost management techniques on August 25 at the City Hall's basketball court and again at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center on August 26 for the open baking competition. The program also highlights ways local bakers can refine regional favorites, including Cagayan de Oro's signature pastel and commercial pastries.
Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy highlighted the practical value of bringing hands-on training directly to community-level businesses.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to URC Flour for choosing Cagayan de Oro and joining us in celebrating our grand Higalaay Festival. This partnership is a tremendous boost to our local MSMEs and community bakers. By bringing the Sugod Bakery Caravan to the City of Golden Friendship, URC Flour is not only adding vibrancy to our festivities, but also providing our bakers with the new baking tools, technical knowledge, and inspiration they need to grow their businesses and elevate our rich baking traditions—especially as the proud home of the iconic pastel,” Uy said.
Cagayan de Oro marks the fourth leg of the nationwide caravan, following earlier stops in Lucban, Sariaya, and Davao City.
Naida Dalisay-Ebora, commercial director for URC Flour, noted that the initiative focuses on long-term growth for small bakeshops rather than short-term festival participation.
“Our commitment goes far beyond supplying high-quality flour; we are dedicated to walking alongside every local baker on their journey toward sustainable success. Building on the success of our previous stops in Lucban and Sariaya, right after Davao, we are thrilled to bring the 4th leg of the Sugod Bakery Caravan to Cagayan de Oro. Through upskilling, practical business insights, and new baking techniques, we aim to equip local bakeshop owners with the tools they need to stay competitive and thrive. We are deeply honored to partner with Mayor Klarex Uy and the CDO LGU during the Higalaay Festival 2026,” Dalisay-Ebora said.
City organizers and URC Flour are expected to release registration details and workshop schedules in the coming weeks, opening participation to neighborhood bakers, culinary students, and local bakeshop operators ahead of the August festivities. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Assistant)
