On 25 February 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Xavier Grade School Auditorium, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, student educators across the city witnessed a historic landmark—the successful conduct of the first General Assembly of the Union of Student Educators – CDO (USE-CDO) Collective.
The initiative which began as a collaborative dialogue between the Xavier University – Teachers’ Guild (XU-TG) and the Capitol University – College of Education Student Body Organization (CU-CESBO), evolved into a citywide movement uniting seven institutions offering educator programs. What started as a shared vision between two councils grew into a federation that now brings together Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Capitol University, Liceo de Cagayan University, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP-CDO), Lourdes College, Southern Philippines College, and City College of Cagayan de Oro.
Anchored on the brand story “Intersect,” the General Assembly symbolized the convergence of institutions located along different streets of the city—distinct in identity yet united in purpose. The event affirmed that while councils may operate in separate campuses, they can collectively move toward a shared advocacy for quality education.
The program, hosted by Godwin Jed Baron, Whizee Earl Waga, and Nathan Josh Ruelo, commenced with the Grand Processional and Preliminaries, establishing a formal and celebratory atmosphere for the afternoon.
During the Welcome Remarks, CU-CESBO President Chrysler John Utlang emphasized that the USE-CDO Collective represents more than a federation—it represents a decision. As he highlighted, it is a decision to collaborate rather than compete, to coordinate rather than operate independently, and to recognize that advocacy for quality education becomes stronger when carried by one united voice. His message reinforced the importance of solidarity and shared leadership among future educators.
The segment “Birth of USE-CDO Collective,” facilitated and presented by Hestia Wabe, revisited the journey of the federation’s formation. The discussion detailed how an initial collaborative meeting between XU-TG and CU-CESBO transformed into a broader initiative that reached out to other institutions across the city. This segment underscored how the vision expanded beyond two councils, ultimately uniting seven schools under one collective identity.
The assembly was further enriched by the Keynote Address of Mr James Sandy Galamiton, who delivered an inspiring talk entitled “One Voice, One Vision: Building the Future of Education Together.” His address emphasized the transformative power of unity and the responsibility of student educators to work collaboratively in shaping the future of education.
A pivotal moment of the program was the MOA Reading led by Edward Miguel Sunga, Chairperson of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines – Cagayan de Oro, followed by the Pledge of commitment of all the collective members led the Xavier University - School of Education Dean, Edralin C. Manla PhD, and followed by Signing Ceremony. These ceremonial acts formally established the USE-CDO Collective and solidified the commitment of the eight institutions to sustained collaboration.
Memorandum of Agreement Signing of the Council Presidents
From left to right: Justine Dave Paquit of XU-Teachers' Guild, Chrysler John P Utlang of CU-College of Education
Student Body Organization, Jade Marianne E Lugsanay of USTP-Student Council of Science and Technology
Education, Matthew Rey O Navarro of LDCU-School of Teacher Education - Student Body Organization, Gioseff
Benedict Yamson of LDCU-Teacher Education Program - Student Council, Mishael Ramos of College of Education -
Student Council, and Eddie Maglangit of SPC-College of Teacher Education - Student Body Organization
The Council Presentations that followed highlighted institutional initiatives, leadership directions, and organizational identities. These were creatively expressed through dance performances, singing presentations, and interactive games, fostering camaraderie and strengthening inter-school relationships. The dynamic exchanges reflected not only diversity in culture and talent, but unity in purpose.
In his Closing Remarks, XU-TG President and Interim President of USE-CDO Collective, Justine Dave Paquit reflected on the meaning of “Intersect.” Though the word may appear simple, he explained, it carries history and intention. Even if institutions are streets apart, they gather with a shared purpose—to meet, to unite, and to serve. He encouraged delegates to carry forward the values strengthened during the assembly, reminding everyone that education is built not only within classrooms, but through shared responsibility and the courage to uplift every learner. He concluded with a call for the intersection to continue beyond the event—within schools, communities, and future classrooms.
Teachers’ Guild Officers and Working Committees
The First General Assembly of the USE-CDO Collective marked more than the formal establishment of a federation; it signified the beginning of a unified movement among student educators in Cagayan de Oro. From a partnership between XU-TG and CU-CESBO, the initiative grew into a collective identity grounded in one voice, one vision, and one shared commitment to education.
