By Ricky J. Bautista — Editor, The Samar Chronicle
CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — In a landmark event on Thursday, November 7, 2024, Dr. Nigel L. Cornejo was officially installed as the first president of Catbalogan City Community College (CCCC) during a formal investiture ceremony held at the Samar State University Gymnasium.
This significant milestone marked the college’s commitment to accessible, quality education for the youth of Catbalogan and the surrounding areas.
The investiture drew a wide array of city officials, educators, community leaders, and local residents, with Catbalogan Mayor Dexter Uy, chairman of CCCC’s board of trustees, present alongside Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog Partylist and CHED Regional Director Maximo C. Aljibe.
In his keynote address, Rep. Acidre announced a P5,000 financial aid package for all CCCC students, starting immediately and continuing for at least the next three years. Beyond direct support for students, he highlighted Tingog Partylist’s P200 million investment in educational infrastructure across Eastern Visayas, including essential facilities for CCCC, through the efforts of Representatives Yedda Romualdez and himself.
Dr. Cornejo shared his vision for CCCC as an institution dedicated to sustainable growth and service to the community.
“The essence of Catbalogan City Community College is to provide free, accessible, quality education as a catalyst for sustainable development,” he said, quoting Aristotle’s words: “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” Dr. Cornejo emphasized that CCCC aims not only to produce high achievers but also to nurture responsible citizens committed to community service.
The new president expressed heartfelt gratitude to key supporters, including Mayor Uy, Vice Mayor Tekwa Uy, Councilor Stephany Uy Tan, who chairs the Committee on Education, and the entire Sangguniang Panlungsod and Department Heads for their contributions to CCCC. Dr. Cornejo also recognized his family, mentors, and friends, acknowledging the role they played in his journey to this position.
Plans for Catbalogan City Community College
Dr. Cornejo unveiled upcoming academic offerings designed to meet local community needs and promote economic growth.
According to him, CCCC will soon offer programs in Bachelor of Industrial Security Management, Bachelor of Public Administration, Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, with tracks in Tourism and Hospitality Business and Agribusiness.
Additionally, plans are underway for TESDA – certified technical courses leading to a Diploma in Technology, providing practical skills training and workforce development.
CHED Regional Director Aljibe praised the Uy family’s commitment to education in Catbalogan and lauded Rep. Acidre for his contributions to the college’s infrastructure. Mayor Uy also expressed pride in CCCC’s founding, calling it a shared achievement that will create lasting opportunities for Catbalogan’s youth.
“This institution represents a dream come true for our city,” he said, “and with the support of dedicated leaders, we are building a legacy that will benefit generations.”
Following the formal investiture, Dr. Cornejo took his oath of office, administered by Mayor Uy and assisted by Director Aljibe. The presentation of CCCC’s academic regalia and symbols—the robe, hood, cap, college flag, presidential medallion, and mace—symbolized the college’s commitment to academic excellence and community service.
Earlier, a tour of the CCCC facilities, where students, faculty, and guests celebrated the college’s inaugural year.
Under Dr. Cornejo’s leadership, Catbalogan City Community College is set to become a center of learning and opportunity in Samar, poised to contribute to the social and economic development of the region for years to come. | The Samar Chronicle
