Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez was officially inducted as the Honorary Vice Chair of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter during the Council Leaders Forum and Investiture Program held at the JR Borja General Hospital (JBGH) Training and Conference Hall on February 17, 2025.
The ceremony, led by Chapter Chairman Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, Council Commissioner SDS Dr. Roy Angelo Gazo, and 2025 Scouting Program Commissioner Roger Potane, featured the donning of BSP neckerchiefs to the city officials as honorary members of the BSP-CDO Chapter—with Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy as Honorary Chair, Cong. Rufus Rodriguez as Honorary Co-Chair, and VM Bebot as Honorary Vice Chair.
Several members of the 20th City Council—Councilors Edgar Cabanlas, George Goking, Roger Abaday, and Kenneth John Sacala—were also inducted as new members of the council.
VM Bebot embraced her new role with gratitude, recognizing it as an opportunity to serve and inspire the Kagay-anon youth.
In her message, she made emphasis on her guiding principles as City Vice Mayor—Kaisog, the bravery to stand for what is right, and Kasingkasing, a leadership rooted in empathy. She aims to share and uphold these values in her capacity as an honorary officer of the BSP-CDO Council.
"This role is not just an honor but a responsibility to guide and inspire our youth, ensuring they grow to become responsible and patriotic citizens," VM Bebot stated.
She also pledged her full support to the BSP-CDO Council in its mission to mold the youth into future leaders who embody the spirit of service and nation-building. (JDOpema/SP)
THE Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Pagatpat is set to implement its youth programs for 2025, following the approval of its ₱1,974,776.00 budget by the 20th City Council during its 112th regular session.
The approved appropriation will fund programs, projects, and activities aimed at fostering youth development and empowerment, in line with the objectives of the SK Reform Act of 2015 (RA 10742).
The law mandates that 10% of the barangay’s annual general fund be allocated to SK-led initiatives that promote leadership development and socio-cultural engagement among the youth.
From the budget, ₱570,000.00 has been earmarked for education, environment, economic empowerment, and active citizenship and ₱563,000.00 for socio-cultural activities; ₱180,656.00 for training and traveling expenses; and ₱39,000.00 for its affiliation and contributions to organizations.
SK Pagatpat also allocated ₱80,000 for their uniform and expenses for supplies and materials.
The legislation was reviewed and endorsed by the sports and youth development committee of Councilor Kenneth John D. Sacala and the laws and rules committee chaired by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas. (FDCalotes/SP)
After resolving the issue on the mandated salary grade level of a college president, the 20th City Council, during its regular session on Monday, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, unanimously confirmed the appointment of Dr. Jestoni P. Babia as UC President III of the City College of Cagayan de Oro.
Dr. Babia served as Assistant Vice President for Academics and Research from January 2022 to May 2023 and as Director for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) from January 2019 to May 2023.
He was also the Dean of the School of Education (SOE) from January 2016 to May 2023, following his role as Academic Chairman of the School of Education and Graduate School from January 2013 to January 2016.
Earlier in his career, he was a Full-Time Faculty Member at the School of Education from January 2009 to May 2023. All these positions were held at the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
Dr. Babia has an extensive background in voluntary work and professional development, having served as a facilitator at Cabadbaran Integrated School, a sponsor for Paglaum sa mga Bata sa Kadalanan, and a Lector/Psalmist and Bylaws Committee member at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
He also participated in the CYA Summit 2020 organized by the Cebuano Youth Ambassadors, Inc. Beyond his volunteer work, he actively pursued professional development through training on 21st-century teaching methodologies, community-based education for sustainable development, capacity building for children’s literacy, and internationalization in higher education.
He attended programs on strategic planning, sustainable practices for inclusive growth, and proposal development integrating ESD, facilitated by institutions such as the University of San Jose-Recoletos, CHED, Cebu Normal University, and the University of Santo Tomas.
His engagement in faculty development initiatives and national curriculum conferences further highlights his commitment to advancing education and leadership, solidifying his qualifications for the position of City College President.
Dr. Babia is expected to significantly contribute to the city’s higher education initiatives, aligning with the city government’s RISE Agenda and fostering sustainable development and progress in Cagayan de Oro.
Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas, chair of the Committee on Laws and Rules, affirmed that the SG 29 level of the City College president is pursuant to the guidelines of the DBM. He further cited that the city’s annual budget for 2025 has already been approved by the City Council and submitted for review to the DBM. (JAOclarit/SP)