CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) marked its meaningful participation in the UNIFFIED International Multidisciplinary Research Conference (UIMRC), Salindunong, and the UNIFFIED Gala and Awards Night, held from August 14–16, 2026, at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. Organized by the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. (UNIFFIED), the three-day international gathering brought together educators, researchers, academic leaders, and education stakeholders for scholarly exchange, professional learning, institutional collaboration, and cultural engagement.
During the UIMRC on August 14, CCCDO President Dr. Jestoni P. Babia delivered a plenary talk on Education for Sustainable Development, highlighting the role of education in equipping learners and communities with the knowledge, values, and capacities needed to respond to contemporary social, economic, and environmental challenges.
CCCDO also contributed to the scholarly discourse and evaluation of research during the conference. Dr. Ray Butch D. Mahinay, Vice President for Research and Extension, served as a panelist in Parallel Session 1, while Dr. Joel D. Potane, Director for Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer Services, served as a panelist in Parallel Session 2.
Beyond the academic sessions, CCCDO faculty members shared responsibilities in facilitating the different activities throughout the three-day gathering. Prof. Herna Francis Mae B. Tano served as host during Day 1, while Prof. Eldin Camposo served as host during Days 1 and 2. On Day 3, Dr. Ma. Aira Chenessa Aguilar took on hosting responsibilities for the culminating activities.
A significant component of CCCDO's participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City College of Cagayan de Oro and UNIFFIED. The agreement was signed by Dr. Jestoni P. Babia together with UNIFFIED officers, with Dr. Donna Grace Cotejo and Dr. Joel D. Potane assisting during the signing ceremony.
Equally important to the successful conduct of the international gathering were the contributions of CCCDO personnel working behind the scenes. Mr. Ryan Sarip, Mr. James Fabela, and Ms. Hazel Faye Abbu served as technical staff during the parallel sessions, providing support for the technological and logistical requirements of the research presentations.
CCCDO also shared the cultural heritage and creative spirit of Cagayan de Oro during the Day 3 Gala and Awards Night through the Oro Dayaw Cultural Ensemble, led by Dr. Montano L. Tapanan.
More than institutional representation, the three-day engagement provided opportunities for the College to share knowledge, learn alongside fellow educators, strengthen partnerships, support scholarly exchange, and share Cagayan de Oro's cultural identity with a wider academic community.
