Ayowan: CCDC’s Commitment to Care and Inclusion

What is the Ayowan Program?

At Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), you’ll often hear the word “Ayowan” spoken with a smile. In the local dialect, “Ayowan” means “care,” referring to providing whatever is necessary for someone’s health, welfare, and protection. True to its name, the Ayowan Program is all about care – a holistic support system to make sure no student is left behind. If a student is struggling with a tough class, feeling anxious or isolated, or living with a disability that makes school challenging, Ayowan steps in to help. It addresses every dimension of student well-being, going beyond academics to include financial, emotional, and social support. In short, Ayowan ensures that life’s challenges don’t force any student off track.

What makes Ayowan special is the people behind it. The program rallies kind-hearted volunteers from within the CCDC community – teachers, non-teaching staff, and even fellow students as peer tutors – all eager to lend a hand or a listening ear. A teacher might volunteer to tutor a struggling reader after class, while a staff member might mentor a student dealing with personal issues. Ayowan services are available at all levels, from basic education through college, because CCDC believes support should have no age limit. Whether you’re a shy seventh-grader or a college senior, Ayowan is there for you, embodying CCDC’s commitment to an inclusive, caring education.

Support You Can Count On

The Ayowan Program offers support you can truly count on, with real stories of students overcoming hurdles. It’s built on personal connections and trust. In the past year alone, around 18 volunteer mentors, counselors, and tutors have supported approximately 64 students through Ayowan. That’s 64 young people who might have otherwise felt alone, now finding strength and guidance in this community-driven initiative. Each volunteer and student pair is a reminder that sometimes all it takes to turn things around is one caring friend.

What kind of help does Ayowan provide? Almost anything a student might need. For some, it’s academic tutoring – extra help with reading comprehension or math problems after school. For others, it’s one-on-one academic counseling, where a mentor guides them in study habits, time management, and finding confidence in their abilities. Many students take comfort in talk therapy sessions, getting a safe, confidential space to share what’s on their mind with a kind counselor. Ayowan even extends to families: counselors can facilitate heart-to-heart sessions between a student and their parents or guardians, helping resolve home issues that might be affecting the student’s school life. In short, if a student has a challenge, Ayowan finds a way to support them – from tutoring in academics to providing a friendly ear when life gets hard.

The impact of these efforts is felt every day. We’ve seen a once-struggling reader discover joy in books after weeks of patient tutoring, and a shy student find her voice in class after regular chats with a volunteer counselor. There are stories of students on the verge of dropping out who decided to stay because someone in Ayowan believed in them. The results speak for themselves: fewer students feel the need to drop out or skip classes now, and many are improving their reading, comprehension, and math skills with this extra support. Perhaps most importantly, students who might be dealing with heavy issues – from bullying to anxiety or troubles at home – know they’re not alone. Ayowan is proof that with a little care and companionship, no challenge is insurmountable.

Accessible for All

Inclusivity at CCDC isn’t just about academic support – it’s also about the campus and learning environment being accessible for all. Being a caring school means making sure everyone can get around and participate fully, including students with disabilities. In line with the Philippines’ Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Blg. 344), CCDC ensures that no physical barrier will impede any student. As one provision states, “No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and enjoyment of the environment… due to any disability.” We take that to heart. Ramps, handrails, wide doorways, and elevator access are in place so that a student using a wheelchair or crutches can move around campus with ease. Classrooms and facilities are designed to be usable by everyone – whether disabled or not – so all students can learn comfortably side by side.

CCDC also provides specialized resources for those who need them. For example, students with visual or hearing impairments have access to appropriate learning tools: braille books and tactile learning materials for those with low vision, and assistive listening devices or hearing aids for those who have difficulty hearing. Desks and equipment can be adjusted for students with orthopedic needs, ensuring they can study in comfort as required by national standards. Even in day-to-day campus life, we add small touches of support. Students with special needs are given priority lanes in the cafeteria and other service areas, so they don’t have to struggle in long lines. During fire drills or emergencies, our staff are ready to provide extra assistance to anyone who needs help evacuating safely. These measures aren’t special treatment – they’re part of treating everyone with equal respect and care. By removing barriers both big and small, CCDC makes sure that each student can focus on learning and growing, rather than worrying about how to get up the stairs or access materials. Accessibility is our way of saying: you are welcome and included here.

Built on Compassion and the Law

CCDC’s commitment to inclusivity and care is built on a foundation of compassion and the law working hand in hand. On one side, it comes straight from the heart – a genuine desire to see every student thrive. On the other, it’s reinforced by strong national policies that uphold the rights of learners with special needs. The Philippines has made inclusive education a priority through laws like the Inclusive Education Act of 2022 (R.A. 11650) and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (R.A. 7277), as well as the Accessibility Law mentioned earlier. These laws mandate that schools provide equitable support and access for persons with disabilities, and CCDC’s own policies are proudly anchored on these principles. We don’t see them as mere obligations; we see them as affirmations of what we already believe – that every student deserves a fair chance.

For instance, R.A. 11650 emphasizes inclusive learning and even outlines safeguards to ensure students with disabilities (and their families) are informed of and involved in their education. R.A. 7277, the Magna Carta, protects against discrimination and urges institutions to provide facilities and support for people with disabilities. CCDC not only complies with these laws in letter, but embraces them in spirit. We have zero tolerance for bullying or discrimination on campus – every student should feel safe and respected, as also reinforced by the national Anti-Bullying Act. If a student has special needs, we approach accommodations not as special favors, but as every child’s right and a normal part of education. Our Ayowan Program itself was born from this compassionate philosophy: it wasn’t required by any law, but it arose because our faculty and staff saw a need and cared enough to act.

In practice, being built on compassion and law means we’re constantly striving to do more for inclusivity. The laws give us a strong framework (and yes, important reminders), but CCDC often goes further – finding creative, human-centered ways to support students beyond what regulations dictate. It might be a teacher volunteering extra hours for a student in need, or an administrator finding funds for adaptive equipment that isn’t yet standard. It’s this synergy of justice and kindness that defines CCDC’s approach: we uphold the rights of every learner and then go the extra mile to make them feel understood and valued.

A Place Where You Belong

Ultimately, CCDC is more than a college – it’s a family. The Ayowan Program and all our accessibility efforts boil down to one simple message: You belong here. We believe that every student, regardless of their background, ability, or struggles, has a home at CCDC. College can be challenging, and life can throw curveballs, but no one at CCDC has to face those challenges alone. We make it a point to notice when a student might need help, and we encourage you to reach out because caring for one another is in our culture.

If you’re a student (or a parent of one) reading this and thinking “I could use some help,” we want you to know that help is available – warmly and without judgment. Maybe you need academic support, or you’re feeling overwhelmed, or you just have questions about how to navigate school with your disability or difficulty. Please reach out to the Ayowan Program or our Guidance Office. Send us an email, drop by for a chat, or talk to a teacher – however you’re comfortable. Ayowan is here to listen and help, whether you need tutoring in a class, someone to talk to about personal matters, or advice on making the most of campus life.

At CCDC, caring is our promise. We’ve spent over 32 years “bringing education closer to the people,” and that means bringing support and compassion closer to those who need it too. So come be part of our community of care. No matter what you’re going through, remember that this is a place where you belong and a brighter future awaits. Together, let’s make your college journey a successful and fulfilling one – with Ayowan, you’ll always have a friend at CCDC.

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