SPARK Benchmarking Visit Strengthens Collaboration Between OCC and CCCDO

The City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) hosted the benchmarking visit of Opol Community College (OCC) through the initiative SPARK: Shared Practices for Advancement, Research, and Knowledge on September 5, 2025, at the Business Resource Center, CCCDO Agusan Campus.

The activity sought to strengthen institutional linkages and promote knowledge exchange in research, innovation, extension services, and internationalization. In his welcome address, CCCDO President Dr. Jestoni P. Babia emphasized the value of solidarity among local colleges.

“Benchmarking is not a competition, but a partnership that uplifts all institutions toward excellence,” he said. Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer Services (RITTS) Dr. Joel D. Potane, in his opening remarks, highlighted the role of collaboration in preparing community colleges for global academic challenges while aligning with quality assurance frameworks. Leading OCC’s delegation was its College President, Dr. Neilson D. Bation, accompanied by faculty and staff. The program featured three thematic sessions: 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏: CCCDO’s strategies for Times Higher Education (THE) and WURI applications, presented by Dr. Babia and Internationalization Director Dr. Donna Grace Cotejo.

𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐: RITTS initiatives on research productivity and innovation, led by Dr. Potane. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟑: Extension Services and Development Studies (ESDS) and their community impacts, presented by Extension and Outreach Director Ms. Herna B. Tano . An open forum allowed both institutions to exchange insights and share institutional practices. The activity concluded with the closing remarks of Prof. Mark Janubas, Program Head of CCCDO, who reaffirmed the college’s commitment to advancing educational quality through shared practices and sustained partnerships.

The SPARK benchmarking visit marked a milestone in the growing collaboration between CCCDO and OCC, underscoring the collective resolve of local colleges in Northern Mindanao to enhance institutional capacities, support regional development, and align with global standards of excellence.