CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – For years, Cagayan de Oro has been the undisputed home of the Northern Mindanao Regional Innovation Program and Exhibit (NorMinRIPE). But this April, the region’s premier innovation showcase is packing its bags and moving south – bringing with it a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of Bukidnon’s most promising tourism destinations.

A Strategic Expansion from CDO to Valencia

Originally conceived and hosted in Cagayan de Oro, NorMinRIPE has gradually broadened its footprint across Region 10. The event was held in Iligan City in 2025, and for 2026, it will unfold in Valencia City – Bukidnon’s bustling “City of Golden Harvest”. Scheduled for April 21‑22 at Robinsons Place Valencia, the two‑day affair marks a deliberate effort to decentralize innovation and bring its benefits closer to communities beyond the major urban centers.

“We want our celebration to be more inclusive because innovation should not be confined to urban centers,” said Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)-10. “It has to be accessible to innovators across the region”.

Putting Valencia’s Natural Wonders on the Map

For tourism stakeholders in Cagayan de Oro and beyond, the relocation of NorMinRIPE to Valencia is more than a logistical change – it’s a chance to showcase the city’s growing appeal as an eco‑adventure destination.

Valencia is home to a wealth of natural attractions that have long flown under the radar of mainstream tourism. Among them is Mt. Anahawon, popularly known as the Valencia City Skypark. Located in Barangay Banlag, this hilltop sanctuary offers visitors the surreal experience of walking above a thick “sea of clouds” that blankets the valley at sunrise. A glass view deck extends over the ridge, providing 360‑degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.

“Visitors are drawn by the promise of invigorating, cool air and panoramic vistas, but the main attraction is the thick ‘sea of clouds’ blanketing the valley at sunrise,” said City Tourism Officer Leonor M. Mandawe.

Just a short drive from the city center lies Lake Apo, a serene volcanic crater lake recognized by the Department of Tourism as one of the most beautiful lakes in Mindanao. Its still, mirror‑like waters reflect the surrounding green hills, making it a favorite spot for boat tours, relaxation, and photography.

Other nearby gems include Pulang Bato Falls, named for the reddish hue of its rocky walls, and the UNESCO‑designated Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, a haven for trekkers and birdwatchers.

A Bridge Between Innovation and Tourism

While NorMinRIPE’s primary focus remains technology and inclusive innovation, its presence in Valencia creates a powerful cross‑promotional opportunity. The event is expected to bring together innovators, investors, and development partners from across Northern Mindanao. Many of these attendees will be visiting Valencia – and its surrounding natural attractions – for the first time.

The synergy works both ways. Just as the innovation program gains a fresh, inspiring setting, Valencia’s tourism industry gains exposure to a highly mobile, professional audience. Local tour operators and hospitality businesses stand to benefit from the influx of visitors, while event participants can extend their stay to explore the city’s eco‑tourism offerings.

Strengthening the Regional Tourism Ecosystem

The expansion of NorMinRIPE also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Northern Mindanao’s tourism network. Cagayan de Oro remains the region’s main air gateway, with Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) connecting travelers to a wide range of attractions across the region – from adventure sites and eco‑destinations to cultural and culinary experiences.

As CDO continues to develop its own tourism assets – including the Lunhaw green corridor, the Bungkalalan River eco‑adventure site, and the upcoming Upper Central township – the success of events like NorMinRIPE in neighboring provinces underscores a simple truth: when one part of the region wins, the entire region benefits.

What Travelers Can Expect

For tourists planning a visit to Northern Mindanao in late April, the NorMinRIPE event offers a compelling reason to include Valencia City on their itinerary. The program features technology exhibits, pitching sessions, business matching, and networking activities – all free and open to the public.

Outside the venue, visitors can explore Mt. Anahawon’s cloud‑kissed ridge at sunrise, take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Apo, or trek to the foot of Pulang Bato Falls. With Valencia just an hour’s drive from Cagayan de Oro, the city makes for an easy and rewarding day trip or weekend getaway.

Looking Ahead

As NorMinRIPE continues to rotate across Northern Mindanao, each new host city gains not only the prestige of holding a regional event but also the chance to showcase its unique character to a wider audience. For Valencia, the 2026 edition is a milestone – proof that innovation and tourism can grow hand in hand.

And for Cagayan de Oro, watching its innovation baby flourish in a neighboring city is a reminder that regional development is never a zero‑sum game. When the whole region rises, everyone rises together.