Sustainable Development Goals

The UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) recently convened a significant learning session on Education for Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, President of the City College of CDO and a consultant for UNACOM ESD, played a crucial role in the event by presenting the ESD for 2030 Country Initiative Report and the ESD Guidebook. His expertise and insights significantly contributed to the discussion on promoting sustainable development through education.

Mr. Jerome Jett L. Torres, Director of the Office for Lifelong Learning and Professional Development, also actively took part in the learning session and workshop.

Mr. Torres had the opportunity to learn best practices from the Philippines' member basic education schools, local universities and colleges, and state universities and colleges. His engagement in the UNACOM networks will undoubtedly enhance the City College of CDO's involvement in advocating for UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development.

To effectively uphold its principles and objectives, the session resulted in the development of five key lines of action aimed at fostering a more comprehensive and diverse approach to implementing ESD. These lines of action include advancing policy, transforming learning environments, building the capacities of educators, empowering and mobilizing youth, and accelerating local-level actions.

A recent UNESCO publication, "Education for Sustainable Development: A Roadmap," comprehensively discussed these priorities.

The learning session served as an important platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among educators, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in promoting sustainable development through education. The insights gained from this event will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable development principles into educational practices at various levels.

As it envisions the future, it is crucial that it maintains education for sustainable development as a core priority in our collective endeavor to construct a more sustainable and equitable world.

The commitment and dedication demonstrated at the learning session underscore the unwavering resolve to harness the power of education to drive positive change towards a more sustainable future.

Bangkok, Thailand - June 15, 2024 - Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, the Interim President of City College of Cagayan de Oro (CDO), recently attended the Global Sustainable Development Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 10-14, 2024. Organized by Times Higher Education, the congress assembled global thought leaders, academics, and industry innovators to tackle urgent solutions to sustainability challenges.

Dr. Babia was personally invited by Times Higher Education to showcase City College of CDO's potential contributions to sustainability efforts. This invitation underscores the institution's growing prominence and its dedication to making a significant impact on both local communities and the broader world.

Under Mayor Klarex Uy's leadership, City College of CDO is committed to enhancing its global presence and contributing to international discussions on sustainability. The college plans to participate in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings starting next year, aiming to demonstrate its role in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mayor Uy supported Dr. Babia's attendance by covering travel expenses, while Times Higher Education waived the registration fees, highlighting the collaboration between the city government and the educational institution.

This event signifies City College of CDO's direction to lead in sustainable development practices and its dedication to advancing knowledge and innovation in sustainability. The upcoming participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings reflects the institution's commitment to sustainability and its eagerness to contribute to global efforts.

In a recent landmark event organized by Okayama University, UNESCO Japan, UNESCO Bangkok, and UNESCO Almaty, Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, President of City College of CDO, led discussions at the Asian Forum on Futures of Climate Change Education. This gathering, held from May 15th to 19th, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, stands as a significant milestone in the global fight against climate change, focusing on enhancing climate change education through innovative teaching methods and curriculum development.

The forum showcased the power of collaboration and shared vision among leading teacher education institutions in Asia dedicated to effecting positive change. It provided a platform for Dr. Babia and his fellow delegates from Japan, Mongolia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strategize on how to integrate climate change education into teacher education programs across Asia.

Spearheaded by the Association of Teacher Educators for Climate Change Education (ATECCE), the initiative aims to develop a comprehensive curriculum that equips teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to educate students about climate change. This effort is timely, considering the pressing need to increase awareness and cultivate a generation of environmentally aware citizens equipped to address the challenges of climate change.

The event underscored the pivotal role of education in combating climate change, stressing the necessity of including climate change education in both basic and higher education curricula. Through a collaborative approach, participants had the opportunity to share best practices, challenges, and opportunities faced in implementing climate change education initiatives in their home countries.

Under Dr. Babia's leadership, City College of CDO will pioneer the Philippines' participation in Phase II of the ATECCE project in partnership with the local government unit of Cagayan de Oro under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Rolando A. UY. This initiative not only reflects the college's dedication to environmental sustainability but also establishes it as a frontrunner in promoting climate change education in the region.

The Asian Forum on Futures of Climate Change Education shines as a symbol of hope, demonstrating the capacity of collective action and innovation to shape a sustainable future. As Dr. Babia and his team continue to advocate for this cause, the influence of their work will likely reach far beyond the classroom, inspiring a new generation of environmental guardians ready to confront the challenges of our era.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11713, also known as the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, have been formally signed by the regular members of the Teacher Education Council (TEC). This notable achievement marks a critical phase in the country's commitment to advancing the standards of teacher education and enhancing the professional landscape for educators in the Philippines.

The IRR provides a detailed framework for translating the objectives of RA No. 11713 into actionable strategies. It highlights key areas such as elevating teacher qualifications, implementing comprehensive training programs, and supporting the development of pedagogical skills that meet the demands of modern education. These regulations establish clear guidelines for improving the quality and accessibility of teacher education, ensuring that aspiring educators are well-equipped with the knowledge and competencies required to foster effective learning environments.

With these regulations now in place, the Philippine education sector is better positioned to contribute to national development through a highly skilled, competent, and dedicated teaching workforce. The TEC’s role in guiding teacher education reform is crucial to aligning the country's educational framework with global standards, empowering teachers to play a central role in fostering lifelong learning and sustainable growth within their communities.

The enactment of the IRR for RA No. 11713 underscores the government's commitment to educational excellence and reflects its dedication to creating a transformative impact on the nation's teaching quality. This initiative will pave the way for long-term improvements in educational outcomes, which are essential to building a knowledgeable, resilient, and progressive society.

Under Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, the month of March was declared as Fire Prevention Month. Embracing this initiative, the City College of Cagayan de Oro faculty and staff actively participated in a comprehensive Fire Safety Lecture and Drill.

This important activity was hosted by our Safety and Security Section under the PPS Division and co-facilitated with the guidance and expertise of our Bureau of Fire Protection - Puerto Station headed by Station Commander Insp. Louis Roy B. Solamo and his dedicated team, FO1 Marjun Oyo-a, FO1 Precious Faith Llejes, FO1 Gemray F. Revaca, and FO1 Reinvelle Ancheta.

The session covered crucial topics including the Powers and Functions of the BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION, the Chemistry of Fire, Common Causes of FIRE, Classification of FIRE, and Practical Training on how to use the Fire Extinguisher. This activity underscores the City College of CDO’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its academic community. Let's continue to foster a culture of preparedness and vigilance, not just this month, but all year round.

#CityCollegeofCagayandeOro #FirePreventionMonth #SafetyFirst #AimHigher #KaubanTaUY #CdeoRise

A collaborative effort between the City College of Cagayan de Oro and the University of San Jose-Recoletos School of Education has recently made waves in the academic world, publishing an Elsevier Scopus indexed journal titled “ESD Integration in Education Systems and Its Relationship to Faculty Mandated Function,” issued in November 2023.

Led by the Interim President of the City College, Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, and Prof. Benedict Al E. Candia from USJ-R, with co-researchers Maria Victoria B. Trinidad, Roxanne Jul L. Tandang, and James Patrick R. Santos, the study examined the correlation between Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) integration in Teacher Education Institutions' systems and the mandated functions of teacher education.

The study involved surveying 109 faculty members across Teacher Education Institutions in the Visayas and found no correlation between the learning environment or policy and mandated functions. Contrary to conventional wisdom, it identified intriguing connections between capability building and youth engagement with the mandated function, as well as community partnerships and professional development. Challenges identified in the study include limited faculty capability, awareness gaps, time constraints, and inadequate administrative support. However, enablers such as existing community partnerships, unpublished research journals, professional development programs, policy alignment with DepEd and CHED, and potential internationalization were also identified.

This collaborative endeavor aligns seamlessly with one of City College's core objectives – to enhance research and development opportunities for local and national training and policy formulation. As outlined by the President, the institution is committed to taking a leading role in research and collaborative activities, fortifying the foundation of sustainable development, and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11713, also known as the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, was signed into law on April 27, 2022, by former President Rodrigo Duterte. This landmark legislation aims to enhance teacher education across the Philippines by revising the Teacher Education Council (TEC) Act and introducing a scholarship program for aspiring educators.

A key mandate of the law is for the Teacher Education Council (TEC) to establish a comprehensive roadmap for teacher education in the country. This roadmap will guide the development of programs that are relevant, responsive, and innovative, addressing the evolving needs of the educational sector.

In addition to program design, the TEC is tasked with fostering a collaborative environment, promoting creative solutions to educational challenges, and designating Centers of Excellence and Development in Teacher Education across the Philippines.

With these initiatives, RA No. 11713 strives to elevate the standards of teacher education and ensure that future educators are well-equipped to contribute to the nation’s educational advancement.