The City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) and the Geneva Office of Human Rights Education (GO-HRE) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement last October 17, 2025, at the CCCDO Audio-Visual Room, to formalize a partnership focused on advancing human rights education within the college and the wider community.
Representing GO-HRE and COLEGA Philippines were Philippine Country Director Melanie I. Shatzer and Atty. Ray Shatzer, while CCCDO President Dr. Jestoni P. Babia led the college delegation, joined by Dr. Helmae E. Tapanan, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Joel D. Potane, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer; and Dr. Jean T. Loquillano, Director for Research and Human Rights Education. The ceremony was attended by student leaders, college personnel, and the COLEGA Philippines team.
In his message, Dr. Babia expressed appreciation for GO-HRE’s support, emphasizing that the partnership represents a holistic approach to promoting human rights through curriculum enhancement, faculty training, and student engagement. He noted that the initiative aims to equip learners with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills to become advocates of human rights in their professional and personal lives.
Director Shatzer lauded CCCDO’s strong implementation of human rights education, noting that among the nine countries using the COLEGA manual, the Philippines—particularly CCCDO—has achieved one of the most commendable, research-driven outcomes. She shared that this impact has been reflected in improved student behavior and a notable reduction in bullying incidents in schools.
Dr. Loquillano, who introduced the agreement, emphasized the shared responsibility of both institutions to promote awareness and uphold fundamental rights. “We are gathered today to launch an initiative that plants the seeds of justice, tolerance, and respect in CCCDO and the broader community,” she said.
This partnership underscores CCCDO’s continued commitment to advancing global goals— particularly SDG 4, 16, and 17, by embedding human rights principles into higher education and empowering learners to contribute to a more humane and inclusive society.
