The City College of Cagayan de Oro – Technical Skills and Technology Institute (CCCDO–TSTI) successfully held its 13th Graduation Ceremony at the City Tourism Hall last December 15, 2025, celebrating the achievement of 401 graduates who completed various TESDA-accredited technical-vocational programs.
With the theme “Building Dreams, Bridging Progress: TVET at the Core of Change,” the ceremony highlighted the transformative role of technical-vocational education in equipping Kagay-anons with practical skills and employment opportunities, in line with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
The graduates came from various TESDA-accredited programs, including Housekeeping NC II with 107 graduates; Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I with 64 graduates and Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II with 31 graduates; Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II with 111 graduates; Carpentry NC II with 11 graduates; Plumbing NC I with 26 graduates; and Barangay Health Services NC II with 51 graduates.
In his welcome address, College President Dr. Jestoni P. Babia congratulated the graduates and emphasized that their success reflects discipline, resilience, and the power of accessible education. The graduates were formally presented by Mr. Karl Hein Pios, LPT, Vocational School Administrator, and officially accepted by Mr. Josef Rod Ilogon, Regional Operations Divisions Chief of TESDA Region 10, who also served as Keynote Speaker and encouraged lifelong learning and professionalism.
Inspirational messages were delivered by Hon. Moreno Y. Daba IV, Chairman on Education of the 21st City Council of Cagayan de Oro, and Mr. Jan Guilmore Actub, representing Mayor Rolando “Klarex” A. Uy. Both speakers underscored the importance of using technical skills not only as a means of livelihood but also as tools for community upliftment and sustainable city development.
The ceremony was further enriched by a Congratulatory Message from Ms. Neila G. Demesmaeker, General Manager of Hotel 801 and Olive Suites, who highlighted the importance of industry-ready skills and expressed strong support for continued collaboration between CCCDO–TSTI and the private sector to ensure employment-aligned training.
CCCDO–TSTI expressed its gratitude to its industry partners and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, led by Mayor Rolando “Klarex” A. Uy, for their continued support in advancing accessible technical-vocational education through strong partnerships aligned with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). More than a graduation, the ceremony celebrated resilience, hope, and new beginnings, as graduates move forward equipped with skills, confidence, and purpose to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the city’s development.