JAKARTA, INDONESIA โ City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCdO) has taken another significant step toward strengthening its global presence after formalizing a strategic partnership with Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Pacific, represented by Ms. Julie McMahon, Vice President for THE Asia Pacific, during high-level engagements.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formally signed by Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, College President III of City College of Cagayan de Oro, and Ms. Julie McMahon, on behalf of Times Higher Education Asia Pacific. The signing was witnessed by Ms. Ines Gonzales, THE Asia Pacific Representative to the Philippines and Australia, and Dr. Donna Grace Cotejo, Director for Internationalization of City College of Cagayan de Oro, underscoring both institutions’ shared commitment to expanding meaningful global partnerships.
The collaboration establishes a framework for long-term cooperation aimed at advancing institutional excellence, sustainability, internationalization, and global engagement. Through the partnership, both institutions will work together to explore initiatives that strengthen higher education’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while expanding opportunities for international collaboration.
Among the key areas of cooperation are sustainability reporting and benchmarking, research partnerships, international academic engagements, knowledge exchange, and participation in global sustainability initiatives that enhance institutional capacity and international visibility. The partnership also supports CCCdO’s continuing efforts to strengthen its performance in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and align its institutional initiatives with internationally recognized sustainability frameworks.
As part of the collaboration, City College of Cagayan de Oro commits to promoting sustainability across its academic, research, extension, and governance functions while expanding partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide. The College likewise aims to further improve its sustainability impact and global competitiveness through evidence-based practices and meaningful international engagement.
For its part, Times Higher Education (THE) will serve as a strategic partner in supporting City College of Cagayan de Oro’s internationalization and sustainability agenda by providing access to global university networks, sustainability experts, benchmarking tools, institutional insights, and capacity-building opportunities.
THE will also offer guidance on sustainability reporting, impact rankings performance, and international best practices while facilitating collaborations that strengthen the College’s research, academic, and global engagement initiatives in pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnership further reinforces CCCDO’s vision of becoming a globally connected higher education institution that pursues excellence through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
