Cagayan de Oro is one of three cities (along with twenty-three (23) municipalities) comprising the province of Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao. The city is politically subdivided into eighty (80) barangays represented as two congresional districts.

Cagayan de Oro is the main political, economic and cultural hub in Misamis Oriental. It is the capital and seat of the provincial government, and is the designated regional capital of Northern Mindanao as well.

CDO, as the city is fondly called, is a bustling coastal city that has retained a provincial atmosphere. The city is blessed with scenic natural attractions that include majestic waterfalls, enchanting caves and beautiful beaches. The southern border of the city along the neighboring province of Bukidnon is dominated by hills, gorges, plateaus and mountain ranges.

Several creeks and rivers run through the city, foremost of which is the Cagayan de Oro River, famous for its breathtaking rapids that has made CDO the Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines. It is the only whitewater rafting destination in the country that has a whole year round of maneuverable rafting courses, a unique and trult memorable CDO experience for those who dare. And all the adventure is located right within the city limits.