CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – What began over a century ago as a simple fire break has now blossomed into a flourishing destination in terms of environmental tourism. The Lunhaw Project of the city will develop Plaza Divisoria area into a network of parks, while Phase 2 of the project at Bonifacio Park will be completed in April 2026.
After Phase 1 of Magsaysay Park was completed, the stage was set for the creation of a more eco-friendly walking district. Now that Bonifacio Park is nearing its completion, the city’s tourism sector anticipates an increase in tourists interested in visiting the city and seeing firsthand its culture and history.
From Firebreak to Green Oasis
The Divisoria area started as a result of the construction of a section of land after a catastrophic fire to ensure that fires would not spread in the future. This community has grown over time into the commercial nerve center of the city. The Lunhaw initiative, which means “green” in Bisaya language, is turning the same section of land into a green, resilient, and cycling friendly public space—perfect for leisurely strolls, family picnics, and cultural tours.
The key upgrades include access restrooms for people with special needs and senior citizens, as well as for both genders, and drainage improvement to address the chronic problem of floods. The parks have been connected through shade trees, indigenous trees, and paths, thus becoming more secure for tourists.
Heritage Meets Sustainability
For tourists visiting the place, there is much more to the Lunhaw district than just its natural beauty. Apart from providing a repository of memorials in memory of national and community heroes like Dr. Jose Rizal and Mayor Justiniano Borja, the place adds new attractions by including all the modern comforts in its development. The process of redevelopment takes place quite meticulously because of the fact that the purpose of the entire place is that of a living museum, in which every "island" of greenery has a story to tell about its history.
As the project is described by city officials, this would be a way of promoting slow tourism, which involves walking and cycling, over conventional sightseeing tours. With phase 2 completed just when summer tourism season starts, the tour operators in the city have already started integrating the Lunhaw Corridor into their package.
What’s Next?
Phase 3 will target JR Borja Park, followed by Rizal Park. But for now, all eyes are on the April opening of Bonifacio Park. Travelers visiting Cagayan de Oro this summer can look forward to a historic district reborn—where fire once raged, green now thrives.
