Why affirm position of city college president? - Emano

COUNCILOR Yevonna Yacine B. Emano questioned before the 21^st City Council, the enactment of an ordinance affirming the position of the City College of Cagayan de Oro President.

Emano asked why is there a need to affirm the title ‘College President III’ with the ‘University College (UC) President III” position, citing that the previous Council in February 2025 already confirmed the appointment of College President Dr. Jestoni Babia, with Salary Grade 29.

She requested for official documents from concerned agencies like the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and DBM, instead of relying solely on verbal communications.

Emano pointed out that CHED Memorandum Order No. 18, Series of 2022, as the basis for granting institutional status to the City College, does not categorically require a “University President III” title.

According to her, under the CHED memo the term used is “president, administrator, or equivalent position,” suggesting that even a College Administrator, albeit a position with a lower salary grade, would suffice for institutional recognition.

The College President position is not listed under the DBM Index of Occupational Services (IOS) for LGUs, but only includes the College Administrator title, stressed the lady councilor.

She further noted that since the City College of Cagayan de Oro is still in its early stages and does not yet even have a campus, which is a basic requirement for university status, councilors should be prudent in creating positions.

Noting her observations, Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas said it is already moot to discuss issues that was already passed upon by the previous council. With this, the Council approved the measures, with Councilor Emano. Imee Rose P. Moreno and Agapito Eriberto G. Suan, abstaining. (JAO/SP)