CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The local government has acknowledged the critical contribution of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Department (CDRRMD) in ensuring the success and safety of the month-long Higalaay Festival. During a briefing held by the City Information Office on Friday, Jann Guillmore Actub, spokesperson for the City Mayor's Office, highlighted the department's unwavering dedication.

Under the leadership of Nick Jabagat, all CDRRMD personnel were fully mobilized at every festival event, closely monitoring weather conditions and potential emergencies throughout the celebration. "They were instructed to remain vigilant, with some staff even postponing leave to maintain full deployment," Actub stated.

The team operated in rotating shifts to provide continuous 24-hour emergency readiness, a network strengthened by the support of local barangay volunteers.

Actub emphasized that the festival's smooth conclusion on Thursday was the result of effective coordination among the local government, civil society groups, and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. This cooperative effort ensured public safety during the highly anticipated annual event.