CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A number of ambassadors from the European Union (EU) are expected to return to Cagayan de Oro City for an extended visit, aiming to further examine its tourism assets as well as those of nearby Bukidnon and Camiguin provinces.

City Tourism Officer Marky Jalapadan said in a Wednesday interview that the planned return stems from the favorable outcome of the recent EU delegation visit to Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon. The earlier tour highlighted the area’s rich cultural heritage, agricultural strengths, and growing tourism industry, leaving a strong impression on the visiting envoys.

Jalapadan noted that members of the EU delegation showed keen interest in gaining deeper exposure to the city and its surrounding provinces. In particular, they expressed enthusiasm for exploring eco-tourism attractions, locally made products, and emerging destinations that reflect the region’s unique identity.

“Given the strong interest and positive reception from the EU envoys, there is a real possibility that the Cagayan de Oro-made chocolate brandy could be exported to Europe in the near future,” Jalapadan said, adding that many members of the delegation particularly enjoyed the product during their stay.

Among the local products showcased, the chocolate brandy—a specialty crafted in Cagayan de Oro City—caught the attention of EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro. Jalapadan shared that Santoro, along with several other EU envoys, commended the beverage for its distinctive flavor, emphasizing that a similar product is not currently found in the European market.

According to Santoro, the visit held from Jan. 14 to 16 in Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon was intended to reaffirm the European Union’s commitment as a long-term partner of the Philippines, especially in promoting sustainable development and strengthening economic self-reliance for the Filipino people.