Cagayan de Oro Boosts Tourism Budget to PHP48.9 million, Aims for Five-Year Master Plan

Cagayan de Oro City – The City of Cagayan de Oro has escalated its tourism budget for the year 2024 to a substantial PHP48.9 million. This increase includes a strategic provision for a comprehensive five-year master plan.

According to Philippines News Agency, a statement released on Tuesday by the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, chief Rico Libre highlighted the urgency of formulating a quinquennial tourism strategy. This plan is intended to position the city competitively alongside renowned Philippine tourist destinations. He indicated a rising trend in health-wellness, business, and educational tourism in the Philippines, with regions such as Cebu, Bohol, and Davao City enhancing their tourism through training and stakeholder support.

In comparison to the previous year, the 2024 tourism budget marks an increase of PHP17.7 million. During the budget hearing, Libre requested the city council to pass a resolution for the five-year tourism master plan. This plan is pivotal in identifying and prioritizing key tourism projects for implementation. Among the proposed developments, enhancing various white water rafting stations is considered essential. The focus remains on river tourism, with the city’s renowned white water rafting program playing a crucial role.

Libre further emphasized the development of eco-cultural tourism, particularly highlighting the significance of the indigenous community. He noted that Cagayan de Oro City, known as the gateway and hub of northern Mindanao, continues to maintain its status as a top tourist destination in Misamis Oriental province. The City Budget Office has allocated PHP1.2 million specifically for ecotourism livelihood projects, targeting hinterland communities.