Cagayan de Oro City or "Cagaiang" as it was named before, is well known today

as the "City of Golden Friendship, as it is a home of friendly and warm Filipinos. The
word "Golden" doesn't just limit to describe for its, Golden Fish myth and treasures but
for its Golden History.
Thousands of years ago, in the pre-historic times native Kagay-anons were living
along the vicinity of Himolugan, in set of caves and an open site. Thus, ancient tools
and apparatuses were recovered as they were richly used during those periods. A
period of such rich extraordinary culture and traditions. Then as time continues to turn,
the arrival of an Augustinian Recollect friar named Fray Augustin de San Pedro, has
been a great turning point in the history of Cagayan de Oro, as the Conversion to
Christianity begins, as before the natives were polytheistic animists. There, he
persuaded the leader Datu Salansang of Himologan to transfer his settlement down
river and had built a church, which area of today's known as Gaston Park and San
Agustin Cathedral. The change was not as easy as a snap of a finger. The conversion of
the natives had angered Sultan Kurat, sending a fleet of warriors to drive away the
missionaries and to salvage the lost tributes. The conversion has angered a lot, wars
triggered and many lives were lost. Great men and women were declared heroes as
they have protected and did the greatest act for their people and what they believe is
right.
Indeed, even though the change was so hard and seems to be a mark that could
change everything, I think it was a change that brought our ancient Kagay-anons to
whole new level of living. It was good, as we are now more developed, civilized as from
before and a growing culture which we heartily embraced right now. As to continue,
things started to stir up upon the arrival of Americans which ruled for sixty-eight years.
The city became the center of migration, commerce and education in Northen
Mindanao. Later on, the Japanese for five years, were most of the town were burned
and some were used as headquarters during the war. Each has brought something with
them that left a mark in the history of the Kagay-anons may it be economical or political.
A point in time, in the history of Cagayan de Oro was a tragedy that caused
havoc and brought grief and loss to thousands of families, the Sendong tragedy. It was

the worst of the worst Kagay-anons has experienced, as it has become one of the major
turning events in the history of Cagayan de Oro. It caused major damage to a lot of
things, which Kagay-anons worked together to help heal the broken land and hearts.
Fast forward today, Cagayan de Oro is now progressing economically, and politically. As
Kagay-anons we will always reminisce the story of devastation and despair as it will
help us paint the future with salient colors of heroism, hope and friendship.
May it or not be a major turning point or junction in the history of Cagayan de
Oro, but it will always leave a mark in the minds and hearts the people before, during
and after those periods. With the rich history Cagayan has must also have time to look
back and learn to appreciate because I believe that we can correct the mistakes from
the past and improve for the better. The history of our city will be a treasure that we can
be proud of as a Kagay-anon and as a citizen of this country.