The City College of Cagayan de Oro proudly participated in the 74th Annual Anniversary and National Convention of the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST), held on July 16, 2025, at N Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, and simultaneously via Zoom. The event featured the Mindanao Forum on Blue Economy and Food Security, Nutrition, and Industry Outlook: Moving Forward to Pagtanaw 2050— aligning with the global goals of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
The CCCDO delegation was composed of Dr. Joel D. Potane, Prof. Jonathan A. Madronero, Mr. Jason Herrera, Prof. Mary Vil Acenas, and Mr. Erlouise Vargas. Their attendance signified the college's ongoing commitment to regional and national dialogues on science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
The forum brought together leading scientists, policymakers, industry experts, and educators in insightful plenary talks and panel discussions focusing on the blue economy, sustainable food systems, nutrition, and the industrial outlook for Mindanao and the Philippines. These discussions were anchored in the Pagtanaw 2050 foresight framework, a long-term vision of STI-driven national progress.
One of the event’s highlights was the oathtaking ceremony of new PhilAAST members, which included CCCDO representatives. Becoming official members of PhilAAST, they join a national network of science and technology champions working toward inclusive and innovation-led development. In a statement, Dr. Potane emphasized that CCCDO’s active involvement in PhilAAST and the forum “reflects our commitment to strengthening research capabilities and engaging in multi-stakeholder conversations that shape the future of science and society.”
The successful conduct of the hybrid convention, both onsite and online, showcased the resilience and relevance of science communities in adapting to current realities and planning for a sustainable and inclusive future.