Cagayan de Oro City — The City College of Cagayan de Oro, in coordination with the city engineering department, has announced the commencement of Phase 1 construction for a new city-run college in Barangay Dansolihon. The institution will offer free agricultural, education, and vocational courses, primarily benefiting students from the city's hinterland barangays.

The City Information Office stated in a press release that Dr. Jestoni Babia, president of the City College of Cagayan de Oro, confirmed the approval of the layout plan for the new campus. The proposed infrastructure includes an administration building, a lecture hall with 24 classrooms, a dormitory for students, a separate dormitory for faculty and staff, and an oval office.

The main campus will be built in Sitio Mangalay, Barangay Dansolihon, on land acquired by the city government through a land banking initiative. The site was initially designated as a resettlement area under the supervision of the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD).

Last year, the Cagayan de Oro City Council approved an ordinance mandating the establishment of this new college to provide free education opportunities for students. The measure, authored by Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba, aligns with Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy’s executive agenda to expand educational access in the city.

Medical and law scholarships

Alongside the new city college, the local government has also introduced medical and law scholarship programs to address the growing need for professionals in city-run hospitals, health centers, and legal aid services for indigent residents.

The CDO Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) aims to cultivate homegrown medical professionals who will provide quality healthcare to underserved and marginalized communities. Similarly, the LGU-CDO Law Scholarship Program (LSP) seeks to develop legal professionals committed to offering legal assistance and education to the city's underprivileged sectors.

3,088 New scholars 

The City Scholarships Office recently announced the approval of 3,088 additional scholars for the 2024-2025 academic year.

To qualify for the city’s scholarship programs, applicants must be Filipino citizens, permanent residents of Cagayan de Oro, and full-time undergraduate students who have completed Senior High School.

All scholars will receive free tuition and matriculation, along with a monthly stipend. Additionally, they will participate in the Iskolar Leaders Academy (ISLA), which provides structured training and development programs tailored to different year levels to ensure sustained academic success.

The Cagayan de Oro City Government remains committed to strengthening education and scholarship programs, ensuring accessible learning opportunities for residents and fostering a skilled workforce for the city's future.