CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — A Mass and Inaugural Flag Raising Ceremony was held on Monday, August 5, to celebrate the opening of classes at Catbalogan City Community College (CCCC) in Barangay Payao, Catbalogan City.
The ceremony was attended by Catbalogan City officials, including Mayor Dexter Uy and the City Council, along with faculty members, teachers, and pioneering students of the college.
Mayor Uy highlighted the college’s mission to provide high-quality education to all Catbaloganons, especially those eager to complete their studies.
“This institution is a crucial step towards offering accessible, quality education for our city’s youth,” he stated.
In June, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT), led by Regional Director Dr. Maximo Aljibe, visited CCCC for evaluation and approved the initial course offering of Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCrim) for the school year 2024-2025.
“In line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to advancing educational excellence. This initiative is part of our Derecho Uswag Development Agenda – #KinaadmanKatbalogan, one of our twelve priority programs for progress,” Mayor Uy added.
He also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the establishment of the college. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who played a role in making this vision a reality,” Mayor Uy said.
“Congratulations to the teaching and non-teaching staff of Catbalogan City Community College (CCCC), led by Dr. Nigel Cornejo. Your dedication ensures that our students will begin the semester on a strong footing. We look forward to seeing them achieve their dreams with the support of the city government.”
For her part, City Councilor Stephany Uy Tan, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, began her address on a positive note, quoting, “Indeed, God is good all the time. All the time, God is good.” Her words were met with an enthusiastic “Amen” from the audience. She expressed that the morning was a blessing for Catbalogan, its students, and its residents.
Councilor Uy Tan highlighted the city’s commitment not just to producing college graduates but to fostering good values and character. She emphasized the aim to develop responsible, disciplined, God-fearing and kind-hearted individuals who will contribute to Catbalogan’s future.
As chairperson of the committee on localizing SDG, she echoed Mayor Uy’s support for Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on providing inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning. She noted that this goal helps reduce disparities in education and improve both access and quality.
Concluding, Councilor Uy Tan affirmed that education is a fundamental human right and a crucial driver of development, essential for reducing poverty and enhancing various aspects of society, including health, gender equality, peace, and stability.
“”Bisan di taas an average basta senior high graduate, pwede makarawat. Education is a human right. Dapat, tanan nga level han edukasyon accessible ngan may libre nga kolehiyo para ha tanan nga kabataan,” the lady councilor said.
— via Ricky Bautista, The Samar Chronicle
