The City College of Cagayan de Oro successfully held its 1st International Research Conference and 2nd Higalaay Multidisciplinary Research Festival on August 15, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall. The event served as a platform for academic exchange, collaboration, and the presentation of research aimed at addressing pressing social concerns.
The conference gathered 96 paper presenters, 33 walk-in participants, and partner institutions from both local and international communities. It also marked the formalization of a consortium of Misamis Oriental Local Colleges through a ceremonial memorandum of agreement signing led by Dr. Maricelle M. Nueva, President of ALCU Region X.
This event was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer, under the leadership of Dr. Joel D. Potane, with the overall guidance and institutional support of CCCDO President, Dr. Jestoni P. Babia. Key attendees include City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, representing Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, and CHED–10 Regional Director, Dr. Arlita Amapola B. Minguez.
The conference also featured plenary speakers from four countries: Prof. Dr. Darren Hawkins of Brigham Young University, USA, Ms. Nabiilah Aziizah Tjandra of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh, Indonesia, Dr. Ronald C. Donceras from Montana, USA, and Mr. Say Sokunpharoth of the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. The City College’s international partners from the Geneva Office of Human Rights Education (GO-HRE) also participated in the event, represented by Country Directors Melanie Shatzer and Chris Fletcher.
The afternoon program included a Research Poster Presentation, evaluation by academic panels, and the awarding of outstanding research contributions. The conference concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Jean T. Loquillano, Director for Research and Human Rights Education. This milestone event underscored CCCDO’s growing global connections, its recognition in international university rankings, and its steadfast commitment to advancing research that delivers practical and transformative solutions for communities.