By Solomon Sagandoy
Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), through its College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), conducted a pregnancy testing activity for 26 female fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BS Criminology) interns as part of the College’s continuing commitment to student health, welfare, and readiness for field-based internship activities.
The activity was initiated through a formal request dated September 20, 2025, from the College of Criminal Justice Education, through its Internship Coordinator, Mr. Marcial M. Etong, with the recommendation of CCJE Dean Mr. Dennis M. Butag, CSP. The request sought the assistance of the CCDC Medical-Dental Clinic, under the supervision of School Physician Dr. Renato Buada, in facilitating the pregnancy testing of the identified female fourth-year BS Criminology interns.
The activity was scheduled on October 23, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, in connection with the interns’ continuing field duties and the College’s efforts to provide appropriate health support as they undertake their internship responsibilities.
The pregnancy testing activity primarily aimed to provide appropriate health information and support to the female interns and to ensure that relevant health considerations are properly addressed in relation to their field assignments and internship activities.
Specifically, the activity aimed to:
- Promote the health, safety, and welfare of female student interns.
- Provide an appropriate health screening service in support of internship-related activities.
- Identify health considerations that may require medical advice, referral, or appropriate accommodations.
- Support informed health decisions while students participate in continuing field duties.
- Strengthen coordination between the CCJE Internship Program and the CCDC Medical-Dental Clinic; and
- Ensure the proper and confidential documentation of health-related services provided to student interns.
The activity was facilitated with the assistance of School Nurses Lily-ann Dulay and Sharry Joy Benwasen, who supported the implementation of the health service and assisted in ensuring the orderly conduct of the activity.
The initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the College of Criminal Justice Education and the CCDC Medical-Dental Clinic in addressing the health and welfare needs of students undergoing academic and field-based training. It also highlights the vital role of school health personnel in providing appropriate health services to students as they prepare for professional responsibilities.
CCDC recognizes that health-related activities involving students must be conducted with confidentiality, informed consent, respectful communication, privacy, and dignity. Pregnancy testing and the handling of related health information are undertaken by authorized health personnel in accordance with applicable health protocols and institutional policies.
Through this initiative, CCDC continues to uphold its commitment to student welfare by providing responsive and appropriate health services that support students’ academic, professional, and field-training needs. The College remains dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and health-conscious learning environment where students can pursue their education and professional development with dignity and confidence.
CCDC: Promoting Student Welfare, Health, Safety, and Readiness for Professional Service.
