The Birth of a City: From Pueblo to Charter City
From the Sidelines
By: Ray G. Talimio Jr.
“Tracing the origins of Cagayan de Oro as it marks its Diamond Jubilee, from its early Indigenous and Maranao roots to its transformation into a chartered city in 1950”
As we commemorate the 75th Charter Anniversary of Cagayan de Oro, it is fitting to honor the individuals who played pivotal roles in its journey to cityhood. While Congressman Pedro S. Baculio first sponsored for the cityhood of Cagayan de Misamis in the postwar Congress, it was his successor, Congressman Emmanuel Pelaez, who carried the initiative forward during his first term. Contrary to earlier claims, the filing of House Bill No. 54 could not have occurred on December 17, 1949, as Congress was not in session and Pelaez had not yet assumed office. Most likely, the bill was filed during the initial months of the Second Congress in early 1950. Nonetheless, the transformation of Cagayan de Misamis into Cagayan de Oro City through Republic Act No. 521, signed on June 15, 1950, reflects a shared legacy of two visionary legislators whose efforts laid the foundation for the city’s growth and civic identity.
The name Cagayan is believed to have originated from the Visayan word kagay, meaning river. The Cagayan River, which courses through the city, was the source of life for early settlers and remains one of its most enduring landmarks. The phrase de Oro, or of gold, was later appended to distinguish the city from other places named Cagayan. Local accounts attribute the name either to gold specks seen in the river or to early records of gold trading with native inhabitants. From this, the city came to be known not only for its geography, but for its hospitality, eventually earning the title City of Golden Friendship.
Long before the Spanish era, the area was inhabited by the Higaonon and Talaandig peoples, who cultivated the land and maintained their own customs, leadership systems, and beliefs. Archaeological finds at Huluga Cave and surrounding sites affirm their long presence. These Indigenous Peoples were among the first stewards of what would become Cagayan de Oro.
As the centuries passed, traders and migrants from neighboring regions enriched the city’s culture and economy. The Maranao, in particular, became part of the city’s commercial life. Many of them settled in areas such as Cogon and Balulang, where they have long contributed to the local economy through trade, textiles, and entrepreneurship. The city’s diversity took root early, resulting in a community shaped by Indigenous, Maranao, Visayan, and settler traditions.
Under Spanish colonization, Cagayan de Misamis was designated a pueblo and eventually became the provincial capital of Misamis. When Misamis Oriental was established in 1939, the city remained its seat of government. During the American period, infrastructure, roads, and public institutions were introduced. By midcentury, the city was poised for formal chartering.
Following the passage of its charter in 1950, Max Y. Suniel became the city’s first mayor. A major street in the city now bears his name, a permanent reminder of his foundational role. He was succeeded by Justiniano R. Borja, whose austere lifestyle and public integrity continue to inspire generations of Kagay anons. Known for walking to work, living modestly, and serving with humility, Borja is honored by a statue at Plaza Divisoria and a hospital that bears his name, JR Borja Memorial Hospital.
The early decades of cityhood were characterized by modest growth and high aspirations. Cagayan de Oro became a hub for nearby towns like Opol, Tagoloan, Baungon, Talakag, and El Salvador, serving as a trade, education, and transport center with access to Macajalar Bay. The city welcomed settlers from Visayas and Luzon, enriching its demography and expanding its civic landscape.
The charter did more than create a city. It crystallized a vision for progress, grounded in unity, discipline, and service. Cagayan de Oro emerged not only as a political capital, but as a symbol of regional pride and possibility.
As we begin this 8 part series leading to June 15, we reflect on the legacy of its founding. We pay tribute not just to the date and the law that gave the city its name, but to the people who gave it meaning, the Indigenous peoples, early settlers, Maranao entrepreneurs, and generations of leaders who nurtured its spirit and built its institutions.
Photo credits
• Signing of RA 521 by President Quirino and Congressman Emmanuel Pelaez (courtesy of the CDO City Museum)
• Pen used in signing, on loan to the City Museum from Mrs. Fe Suniel Dingcong
• Early Divisoria scenes and Ororama façade (CDO Heritage Series, Public Contributions)
Sources
• Republic Act No. 521
• City Government of Cagayan de Oro archives
• Works and research of Nanette V. Roa
• Oral histories and museum records
• NHCP public documents
About the Author
Ray G. Talimio Jr. is Past President and Past Chairman of the Board of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. Oro Chamber; Co Chairman of the Economic Development Committee of RDC X; Chairman of the MSME Development Council of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City; Chairman of BIMP EAGA for Northern Mindanao; National Officer, Past Senior Regional Director, and Past Chapter President of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants PICPA; Advocate for MSME development, public accountability, regional infrastructure, and customs and trade facilitation reform.
