Upgrading of Davao City College temporary site continues

The city is aiming to obtain a license to operate from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and open classes for the first batch of students in August 2022.

Dr. Wenefredo Cagape, OIC-President of the CCD, in an interview with Byaheng Do30 said they are only waiting for the completion of the repair and retrofitting of the classrooms at the Mindanao Christian Foundation College and Seminary, Incorporated in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño. 

The Mindanao Christian Foundation College & Seminary, Inc. is the temporary site for the CCD.  

According to Cagape, currently they are  85 percent compliant as City College. 

He said the repair and retrofitting in the area are now ongoing through the City Engineer’s Office (CEO).

Cagape said  the repair and retrofitting is the only requirement they need to complete. The CCD Secretariat is already done with the documentary requirements. 

“The location is really needed because the CHED Manila will come here in Davao to inspect and evaluate the preparedness and readiness of the City College of Davao before they are going to approve the permit to operate,” he said. 

The city allocated P9.8 million for the repair and retrofitting of 14 existing spacious classrooms and other facilities such as offices, laboratories, and many more. 

The CCD aims to cater to a total of 1,000 students in the first batch. A blended learning modality is also planned to accommodate all students. 

Cagape said that CCD also intends to offer a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Education Major in Computer Programming, Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS Entrep). 

Based on the ordinance, the priority students for admission are from low income (with P6,000 below an annual income of parents), Indigenous People (IP) learners, working students, students from Alternative Learning System (ALS), and students from Late Afternoon Program (LAP). 

Cagape said that job posting for the hiring of 50 plantilla positions - 40 teachers and 10 non-teaching personnel is done. Their appointments will be approved by the CCD President, who will be appointed in July 2022. He added that this is only the initial number as they will hire more teachers in the future. 

“We have not conducted interviews because it is set in July after the appointment of the OIC President. We have many applicants but we will make sure that those accepted are based on merit, fitness, and qualified for the job,” he said.

Cagape thanked Mayor Sara Duterte for the creation of CCD as the latter considered the project as a “lifetime legacy to all Dabawenyos” to give chance to the students who cannot afford to pursue college.

“We have existing schools but (the students) cannot afford to enroll because of tuition fees. We have USEP and UP but they cannot simply go there because of the admission policies. Here in Davao City College everyone is accepted and admitted even those with a grade of 75,” Cagape added. 

“We still do not have the schedule for enrollment since there is no approval from CHED yet. We will post the announcement on our Facebook Page to let you know about the enrollment,” he said.

The city is trying its best to finish all the requirements before they can accept children to enroll in the CCD, he added.