VM Bebot Rodriguez’s River Ferry Proposal Sails for a Progressive Cagayan de Oro

GROWING up, you may have come across the tale of a mythical water creature called kugtong that resides in the Cagayan de Oro River. Legend has it that this creature has scales made of gold; thus the word ‘Oro’ in our city’s name, derived from the Spanish word for gold (or de Oro meaning golden or ‘of gold’).

Beyond local folklore, the etymology of "Cagayan/Kagayan" has several linguistic interpretations, but it generally means "river" – a proof that the City of Cagayan de Oro has a strong connection to its waterways.

Indeed, when you search for Cagayan de Oro online, iconic images of the river frequently appear as it serves as the heart of the city's most popular tourist attraction—whitewater rafting, earning Cagayan de Oro the title of the Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines.

These elements—mythical tale, etymology, and tourist activity—all highlight the river’s invaluable role as a historical and cultural asset of our city.

The Cagayan de Oro River has been a witness to the city's growth, and to further leverage its potential and significance, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez has proposed the incorporation of river ferry services along the river in order to offer alternative transportation options, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable travel within the city.

The proposed legislation includes the development of infrastructure such as ferry terminals and wharves, along with vessel maintenance and safety regulations, fare structures, stakeholder collaboration, preservation of the river's historical and cultural heritage, and integration with existing transport modes.

The rationale behind her proposal is to support the metropolization of the city and maximize accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors while promoting tourism and maintaining the city’s identity. The metropolization of Cagayan de Oro is a key element of the RISE development agenda of Mayor Rolando Uy’s administration, which VM Bebot fully supports.

Her proposed ordinance establishes the framework for the management and operation of river ferry services, demonstrating her commitment to creating legislation that supports sustainable urban development.

As the Cagayan de Oro River continues to play a pivotal role in the city's narrative, it carries the legacy of the city's growth and prosperity, and VM Bebot’s vision seeks to bridge the past and the future by harmonizing preservation and progress.