By: James Murillo Elaco
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Students, educators, and other professionals from across the country gathered for City College of Cagayan de Oro’s (CCCDO) 1st International Research Conference and 2nd Higalaay Multidisciplinary Research Festival. The event took place on August 15, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall, Cagayan de Oro, drawing 42 participants from 31 schools, including high school, college, and post-graduate students.
During the opening program, Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, Ed.D., President of CCCDO, reminded attendees of a timeless principle in education. “I am reminded of the profound truth that there is no such thing as a big or small college or university. There are only institutions where the heart of learning beats strongly, sustained by people who are committed to growing together,” he said.
Dr. Babia emphasized that while City College of Cagayan de Oro was relatively young, it had a strong sense of purpose. “City College of Cagayan de Oro, though young, is defined not by its age but by its clear direction—to harness research as a force for innovation, grounded in community needs, committed to good governance and cultural values, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, building with communities, learning from them, and sharing insights with the world,” he added. He explained that research at CCCDO aimed to help shape policies, drive equitable development, and position Cagayan de Oro as a globally minded city.
The conference featured research presentations across a wide range of disciplines, highlighting both innovation and community engagement. Participants shared findings, exchanged ideas, and learned from experts and peers.
Awards were presented to the top performers in different categories. In the Graduate and Professional Category, a participant from Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro City) won Gold, Tagoloan Community College (Misamis Oriental) received Silver, and Roberto E. Sato Memorial NHS (Carcar City, Cebu) took Bronze. In the High School and College Category, City College of El Salvador (Misamis Oriental) won Gold, USTP (Cagayan de Oro City) received Silver, and University of the Philippines Mindanao (Davao City) earned Bronze. In the High School Innovation Category, Gold went to Kong Hua School (Cagayan de Oro City), while Silver and Bronze were awarded to Cagayan de Oro NHS.
Organizers said the event aimed not only to recognize academic excellence but also to foster collaboration among schools, encourage creative thinking, and highlight the importance of research in addressing community and national challenges.
The successful hosting of the conference and festival marked a significant milestone for CCCDO as it continued to build its reputation as a center of learning, research, and innovation in Mindanao and beyond. (JME/ONP)
Photo 1: Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, Ed.D., President of City College of Cagayan de Oro, delivers the opening remarks at the 1st International Research Conference and 2nd Higalaay Multidisciplinary Research Festival at City Tourism Hall, Cagayan de Oro City, on August 15, 2025, highlighting the college’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and global-minded research. (JME/ONP)
Photo 2: Students from across the country gathered at City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) for the 1st International Research Conference and 2nd Higalaay Multidisciplinary Research Festival. Held on August 15, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall, the event featured 42 participants from 31 schools, including high school, college, and master’s students, all showcasing their research and innovative ideas. (JME/ONP)
Photo 3: Officials and representatives from the Consortium of Misamis Oriental Local Colleges participate in the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement during the 1st International Research Conference and 2nd Higalaay Multidisciplinary Research Festival, held on August 15, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall. (JME/ONP).
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