CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PHILIPPINES — Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cagayan de Oro have officially entered into a strategic partnership for the upcoming Higalaay Festival 2026.
Led by Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Adlao Uy alongside URC Flour, this collaboration officially integrates URC Flour’s acclaimed SUGOD BAKERY CARAVAN into the city’s annual festival celebrations. The initiative marks a significant commitment to upskilling local bakers, introducing baking techniques and empowering neighborhood bakeries across Cagayan de Oro.
Home to the world-famous pastel—a soft, sweet bun filled with rich custard—Cagayan de Oro holds a proud baking heritage. The Higalaay Festival activation marks the 4th leg of URC Flour’s nationwide caravan, following highly successful stops in Lucban, Sariaya, and most recently, Davao City.
Driving Innovation in CDO’s Local Baking Sector
The Sugod Bakery Caravan transforms festival grounds into a high-energy hub of learning, mentorship, and live baking demonstrations. Local bakers, pastry artisans, and bakeshop owners in Cagayan de Oro will receive direct access to baking techniques, cost management strategies, and food safety protocols using URC Flour’s product.
Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy expressed deep appreciation for the partnership, emphasizing its lasting impact on the city’s grassroots economy and MSME sector.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to URC Flour for choosing Cagayan de Oro and joining us in celebrating our grand Higalaay Festival. This partnership is a tremendous boost to our local MSMEs and community bakers. By bringing the Sugod Bakery Caravan to the City of Golden Friendship, URC Flour is not only adding vibrancy to our festivities, but also providing our bakers with the technical knowledge and inspiration they need to grow their businesses and elevate our rich baking traditions—especially as the proud home of the iconic pastel.” Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Adlao Uy, City Mayor of Cagayan de Oro
A Continuing Nationwide Mission
For URC Flour, the 4th leg of the caravan reinforces its broader vision of long-term industry partnership and economic empowerment across the Philippines.
“Our commitment goes far beyond supplying high-quality flour; we are dedicated to walking alongside every local baker on their journey toward sustainable success. Building on the success of our previous stops in Lucban, Sariaya, and Davao, we are thrilled to bring the 4th leg of the Sugod Bakery Caravan to Cagayan de Oro. Through upskilling, practical business insights, and new baking techniques, we aim to equip local bakeshop owners with the tools they need to stay competitive and thrive. We are deeply honored to partner with Mayor Klarex Uy and the CDO LGU during the Higalaay Festival 2026.” Naida Dalisay-Ebora, Commercial Director, URC Flour
Sustaining Culinary Traditions
By blending the festive, welcoming energy of the Higalaay Festival with professional technical expertise and business mentorship, URC Flour and the Cagayan de Oro LGU are ensuring that the region’s bread and pastry culture continues to flourish and reach new heights.
