From November 6–8, 2024, the City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) recently conducted a benchmarking activity to further enhance its educational practices and institutional development. The delegation, composed of 15 key officials across clusters, visited two (2) distinguished local government unit (LGU)-operated higher education institutions: Mabalacat City College (MCC) in Pampanga and the University of Makati (UMAK) in Metro Manila.
Led by CCCDO President, Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, the visits provided the team with valuable opportunities to learn from these institutions, which are renowned for their innovation and academic excellence. Both MCC and UMAK have earned international recognition for their strong performance in global rankings, including Webometrics, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and the World University Rankings for Innovation.
During the visit to Mabalacat City College, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Happy S. Pelayo, Vice President for Finance and Administration, and participated in a comprehensive campus tour. The group engaged in a series of activities, including orientations, training on institutional processes, and discussions on best practices for establishing new offices. Access to key documents and resources offered valuable insights into MCC’s efficient operational procedures. The college’s Vice Presidents and Directors generously shared their expertise, addressing queries and offering guidance on various aspects of academic administration and student services.
Conversely, the visit to the University of Makati provided the delegation with another enriching experience. UMAK, recognized for its growth and success as a leading LGU-operated university, shared its institutional journey through a detailed presentation led by UMAK President, Professor Elyxzur C. Ramos, PhD, CESE. Professor Ramos highlighted the university’s academic and financial operations, emphasizing the importance of investing in the education sector as a means of uplifting the lives of local constituents.
The benchmarking activity allowed CCCDO to identify best practices in several key areas, including administrative efficiency, faculty development, student services, research, and community extension. This marks a vital step toward CCCDO’s long-term goal of providing sustainable, high-quality education in the region.