If there's one thing Cagayan de Oro is famously, deliciously known for, it's our pastel, that soft, pillowy bun hugging a rich, custardy filling that has made bakeries across the City of Golden Friendship legendary. Now, that proud baking heritage is about to get an even bigger spotlight.

A New Partnership

Universal Robina Corporation's URC Flour and the Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro have officially sealed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), bringing the acclaimed SUGOD BAKERY CARAVAN straight into this year's Higalaay Festival 2026 celebrations.

The signing was led by Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Adlao Uy alongside URC Flour's management team, and it's more than just a festival add-on. This collaboration is a real investment in our local bakers, our neighborhood bakeshops, and the future of CDO's baking industry.

What is the Sugod Bakery Caravan?

Think of it as a traveling hub of baking knowledge and mentorship. The caravan transforms festival grounds into a lively space packed with:

• Live culinary demonstrations from baking experts
• Hands-on mentorship for local bakers and pastry artisans
• Access to modern baking technologies and techniques
• Practical cost management and business strategies
• Food safety protocol training
• Direct exposure to URC Flour's premium products

This will be the 4th leg of URC Flour's nationwide caravan, following successful stops in Lucban, Sariaya, and most recently, Davao City. Now it's CDO's turn to shine.

In Their Own Words

Mayor Klarex Uy didn't hold back his excitement about what this means for CDO's grassroots economy and MSMEs:

"This partnership is a tremendous boost to our local MSMEs and community bakers... 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."

Meanwhile, Naida Dalisay-Ebora, Commercial Director of URC Flour, shared the company's long-term vision:

"Our commitment goes far beyond supplying high-quality flour; we are dedicated to walking alongside every local baker on their journey toward sustainable success."

Why This Matters for CDO

This isn't just corporate PR fluff. It's a direct investment in the people who keep our baking traditions alive. Neighborhood bakeshops, the tita-owned panaderias, and the up-and-coming pastry entrepreneurs all get a front-row seat to leveling up their craft and their business game.

And with Higalaay Festival 2026 as the backdrop, expect the caravan to bring extra festive energy, mixing the warmth of Kagay-anon hospitality with real, practical skill-building. It's a beautiful blend of celebration and empowerment.

Whether you're a baker looking to upskill, a foodie who loves free pastry demos, or just a proud Kagay-anon who wants to see local business thrive, this is one Higalaay Festival activation you won't want to miss.

Let's support our local bakers and celebrate what makes CDO deliciously unique.