On June 12–13, I had the chance to return to Cagayan de Oro—but this was no vacation. It was a purposeful two-day visit focused on three things: golf, governance, and growth.
Golf with a Purpose
My trip began with a round of golf at the stunning Pueblo de Oro Golf & Country Club alongside longtime friends and new junior talents. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the course offered just the right mix of challenge and serenity. As a board member, it was a joy to see the club’s facilities thriving and continuing to nurture the next generation of golfers.
Exploring Pueblo de Oro Township
Beyond the greens, I spent time touring the 400-hectare Pueblo de Oro Township—an integrated community that includes residential enclaves, retail centers, schools, green corridors, and a growing IT ecozone. The vision behind this development is inspiring: it’s about creating spaces that are not only livable but also future-ready.
Cagayan de Oro’s Economic Ascent
Equally compelling is the story of Cagayan de Oro itself. The city contributes nearly 30% of Northern Mindanao’s GDP, with service-led growth supported by strong infrastructure, a median age of just 24.9, and over 380,000 students enrolled in the metro area. With its blend of youthful energy and well-planned development, CDO is poised to become the region’s next big economic hub.
Conversations on Strategy and Urbanization
We wrapped the trip with conversations about urbanization, board-level strategy, and how real progress is built—like a good golf game—through patience, vision, and the right partnerships.
CDO, thank you. I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Partner for Progress in Emerging Cities
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