The City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) participated in an exploratory meeting on June 17, 2026, to discuss a potential partnership aimed at strengthening Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives in Cagayan de Oro City through research, capacity development, and institutional collaboration.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Cagayan de Oro City Gender and Development (GAD) Office, the Commission on Population and Development (PopDevCom) and Regional Development Council 10 Regional GAD Committee both represented by Regional Director Neil Omega, the Women and Gender Institute of Miriam College, and CCCDO through Dr. Ray Butch Mahinay and Mr. Nathaniel Sullano.
During the discussions, the LGU GAD Office expressed its interest in establishing strategic partnerships to enhance the implementation of gender-responsive programs and services. Miriam College shared its expertise and experiences in gender and development education, research, and training, while PopDevCom presented updates on its ongoing regional profiling survey, which is expected to provide valuable data for future policy and program interventions.
As part of the dialogue, CCCDO proposed the establishment of an LGU Gender and Development Academy, a collaborative platform designed to strengthen the competencies of local government officials and personnel in advancing gender-responsive governance. The Academy is envisioned to initially focus on the City Government and Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs), providing capacity-building opportunities for frontline implementers and local leaders.
CCCDO also expressed its readiness to serve as the initiative's academic and capacity-development partner by leading the analysis of survey findings, developing evidence-based training programs, facilitating learning activities, and supporting monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management efforts.
The participating institutions agreed to reconvene after the completion of the PopDevCom regional profiling survey to identify priority competency areas and develop the operational framework for the proposed Academy. The initiative highlights CCCDO's commitment to promoting evidence-based governance, fostering strategic partnerships, and supporting the development of gender-responsive leadership within local communities.
