CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The city welcomed 223 delegates from various states in the United States of America (USA) who arrived for the “Very Important Pinoy Tour—USA Leg” on July 25.
The delegates, consisting of Filipino families from New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Texas, Washington, DC, Chicago, Florida, Hawaii, and Guam, were greeted with a special welcome night held at City Hall. Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental Province jointly organized the event.
The evening’s festivities saw the attendance of prominent officials, including Misamis Oriental Governor Peter M. Unabia, Cagayan de Oro Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, various city and provincial officials, DOT-10 Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan, media personnel, and other distinguished guests.
“To our Kababayans from the Philippines, especially those from Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, and Gingoog City, welcome home. To our foreign guests and fellow Filipinos, we embrace you as our new family members. Welcome to your new home,” said DOT-10 Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan.
She added that visitors’ presence offers a unique opportunity to showcase the breathtaking destinations and rich culture of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Iligan.
“We hope you enjoy every moment, from our scenic landscapes to our vibrant local traditions, and, of course, our local products and delicacies, which you can buy in our booths. Also, our most wonderful and most warm Filipino and Mindanao hospitality that we are most famous for,” Unchuan said.
Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, representing Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Orlando Rolando Uy and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, conveyed her delight in hosting the delegates. She highlighted Cagayan de Oro’s status as an investment hub and adventure capital, emphasizing the city’s achievements and attractions.
“Cagayan de Oro City is a city brimming with millions of opportunities and adventures. Our city is a dynamic blend of progress and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for both business and leisure,” she said.
For his part, Board Member Gerardo Sabal III of Misamis Oriental expressed pride in the province’s natural beauty and tourism potential. “Misamis Oriental is honored to be part of this tour. We are committed to offering an engaging cultural experience that fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Filipino heritage, traditions, and modern lifestyle,” he added.
Participant Hydra Mendoza from San Francisco, California, shared her positive experience, stating, “It’s been great so far. It’s wonderful to see all the infrastructure here that I don’t think we’ve really realized because we’ve never been able to visit Mindanao. The restaurant by the water was very lovely.” Mendoza expressed her excitement for the upcoming days, particularly looking forward to cultural performances and activities like zip-lining at the Dahilayan Adventure Park.
The “Very Important Pinoy Tour—USA Leg” targets to strengthen the connection between Filipino expatriates and their homeland, promote cultural exchange, and showcase the rich heritage, natural beauty, and tourism potential of the Philippines. (RTP/PIA-10)
