MABALACAT CITY — The Mabalacat City College now has a new president in the person of Dr. Michelle Aguilar-Ong, the former executive director of the Nayong Filipino in Clark.
Ong, who has a Ph.D in Public Administration, bested two other candidates for the position after the city government here conducted an official search for president of the government-owned educational institution.
According to city administrator Atty. Emmanuel Ignacio, the search is the first of its kind in Central Luzon. The MCC, meanwhile, is the 5th city college in the country to conduct such a scout.
The search started mid-July of 2020, and all applicants underwent public forum and panel interviews, while abiding by proper health protocols and procedures.
The final deliberation, Ignacio said, was conducted last September 11, via video conference. Just like any other search, it had a committee composed of representatives from different sectors including education, business, the Association of Local Colleges and Universities, Commission on Higher Education,and Civil Service Commission.
The committee for the search for MCC president was composed of Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr., chairman, representing the business sector; Dr. Dolores T. Quiambao, representing Don Honorio Ventura State University president Dr. Enrique G. Baking for Education; and Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, Association of Local Colleges and Universities executive director.
Ignacio said the three applicants were all qualified for the position based on their professional merits and achievements. However, after thorough deliberation, the committee adjudged Ong as the most qualified to run the MCC.
Ong, who was also a television host at a public and media affairs program of GNN TV 44 and part-time faculty member of the Graduate School of DHVSU, officially took her oath as the new MCCpPresident before Mayor Crisostomo Garbo on Sept. 18.
For his part, Garbo congratulated Ong for her appointment, giving her his full trust and confidence for quality education at MCC.
“We are optimistic that the MCC will continue to soar in the capable hands of Dr. Michelle Ong,” Garbo said.
