February 14, 2025 | Cordillera Career Development College
In line with its commitment to promoting a healthy, safe, and environmentally sustainable learning environment, the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), through the School Clinic, headed by Dr. Renato Buada in collaboration with the Human Resource Development (HRD) Office, through its Ashal Series, conducted an orientation for canteen concessionaires on February 14, 2025.
The orientation aimed to reinforce the College’s policies on healthy food and beverage choices, proper food handling and sanitation, environmental sustainability, and responsible sourcing of food and supplies. It also emphasized the vital role of canteen concessionaires in safeguarding the health and well-being of learners and employees.
During the orientation, concessionaires and their food handlers were reminded of the provisions of DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2017, or the Policy and Guidelines on Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in Schools and in DepEd Offices. The College reiterated the importance of offering nutritious, affordable, and balanced meals, including the daily availability of vegetable dishes and regular offerings of fresh fruits. The prohibition on selling soft drinks, artificially colored beverages, and sugar-sweetened drinks was likewise emphasized.
The School Clinic also highlighted the importance of proper food preparation, handling, storage, and sanitation to prevent food contamination and foodborne illnesses. Concessionaires were reminded that providing safe and nutritious food is an essential responsibility that directly contributes to the health, academic performance, and overall well-being of the school community.
Moreover, the orientation reinforced the College’s No Single-Use Plastic and Styrofoam Policy, pursuant to College Memorandum No. 7, Series of 2019, as enhanced and reiterated under College Memorandum No. 4, Series of 2023. Concessionaires were encouraged to adopt reusable and environmentally sustainable food packaging alternatives.
As part of its advocacy for sustainable procurement and community development, CCDC also emphasized its preference for locally grown, organic, and sustainably sourced products, particularly vegetables and other agricultural produce from Benguet and the Cordillera Region. This initiative seeks to support local farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and homegrown entrepreneurs while encouraging healthier food choices within the campus.
The HRD Office further emphasized that compliance with the College’s food safety, health, sanitation, and environmental policies forms part of the concessionaires’ contractual obligations. Violations of these requirements may constitute grounds for corrective action, termination, or nonrenewal of contracts, subject to due process and applicable contractual provisions.
Through this initiative, CCDC reinforces its commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable campus while recognizing canteen concessionaires as important partners in promoting responsible food services.
By strengthening collaboration with its canteen concessionaires, CCDC continues to advance its vision of an educational institution that values health, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment.
