8 August 2025--The City Government of Cagayan de Oro joined the Food Processors Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIN) in celebrating two meaningful milestones today: the opening of the 10th Tinagboan Festival and the 25th Anniversary of the Food Processors Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIN).

Held annually as one of the core events of the Higalaay Festival, the Tinagboan Festival gathers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food processing industry from Cagayan de Oro and across Northern Mindanao to showcase the richness of local food and culture. This year’s theme centers on beloved and versatile ingredients—camote and coconut—offering a fresh take on traditional raw materials and food products with innovation.

The festival officially opens today August 8 at the Limketkai Rotunda and runs till Sunday, August 10. Led by FOPANORMIN and supported by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro through the Cagayan de Oro Trade and Investment Promotions Center (Oro-TIPC), the three-day fair features 36 MSME exhibitors, and celebrates the spirit of tinagboan—a local word that means the act of sharing gifts or food, especially when returning from a journey. 

Arm-in-arm towards a food and economically secure future: LEDIPO John W. Asuncion delivers the Opening Remarks in behalf of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" A. Uy, pledging continued partnership with the food processing MSMEs.

In remarks delivered on behalf of Mayor Rolando “Klarex” A. Uy, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer John W. Asuncion expressed the city’s pride in hosting the Tinagboan Festival as a platform for inclusive growth and local pride.

“True progress is not only seen in buildings and roads, but in the success of our people,” he said, quoting the Mayor. “Through this festival, we honor the resilience, creativity and hard work of our local food producers.”

Later in the evening, FOPANORMIN will also hold a special dinner marking the Silver Anniversary of its founding, bringing together member-entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and partners from government and civil society to celebrate 25 years of advocacy and leadership in the regional food industry.

Mayor Uy, through LEDIPO Asuncion, recognized the organization’s role in helping MSMEs thrive and thanked FOPANORMIN for its long-standing partnership with Oro-TIPC. “The success of our community depends on unity and mutual support,” he said. “You have helped build dreams, sustain families, and nurture the pride of being Cagayanon, being Mindanaoan, and being Filipino.”

The Tinagboan Festival runs from August 8 to 10 at the Rotunda of the Limketkai Center. Visitors are invited to buy local, try proudly made food products, and take part in this celebration of friendship, flavor, and shared bright and food secure future.n