SP confirms City College president

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)