On November 4, 2024, Dr. Jestoni Babia officially assumes his role as the first President of the City College of Cagayan de Oro. This milestone follows the endorsement of our Governing Board through its Search Committee for President and a flag-raising ceremony led by Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy at Carmen Barangay Hall this morning.
Dr. Babia brings over 15 years of academic excellence and leadership to this position. His journey began in 2008 when he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Special Education, from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. He furthered his studies by earning a Master of Arts in Education from Cebu Normal University in 2011, where his exceptional thesis work earned high honors. He then completed a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in 2015, specializing in Instructional Systems and Resource Management at the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
Having spent 15 years at USJ-R, Dr. Babia advanced from lecturer to Dean of the School of Education. Before joining City College, he served as the Director of the ESD Center for Research Training and Development and Assistant Vice President for Academics at the same university.
His commitment to service extends beyond academia; as the Teacher Education Council Visayas Representative, he has influenced national policy for inclusive education, and internationally, he served as an ESD Consultant for the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines.
Under Dr. Babia's transformative leadership, the City College of Cagayan de Oro family is poised to reach new milestones and set benchmarks for educational excellence. The institution also extends its heartfelt gratitude to Education Committee Chairperson Hon. Councilor Suzette Magtajas Daba and Mayor Rolando \"Klarex\" A. Uy for their unwavering support in strengthening free and inclusive education, providing opportunities that empower the Kagayan-anon youth.