Bringing Education Closer to the People: CCDC’s 2024 Outreach Initiatives

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) actively extended its educational mission beyond campus in 2024 through a variety of outreach programs. These initiatives engaged local communities and students alike, reflecting CCDC’s commitment to holistic, inclusive education and community service. From entrepreneurial expos to grassroots learning sessions, CCDC’s outreach activities aimed to empower beneficiaries with knowledge, skills, and hope. Below we highlight the major educational outreach initiatives of 2024, emphasizing community engagement, enthusiastic student participation, and alignment with CCDC’s mission and values.

2024 Outreach Highlights

• Rural School Outreach in Atok (February 2024, Benguet) – CCDC’s Basic Education department (Elementary level) spearheaded an outreach program at Sitio Banayakeo, Atok – one of the college’s adopted rural communities. Student leaders, faculty, and parents teamed up to deliver school supplies and a day of learning activities, bringing smiles and much-needed support to the children of the remote Mauro P. Laruan Elementary School. This initiative strengthened ties with the community and allowed young CCDC students to practice compassion and service leadership at an early age.
• MSME Business Expo (March 7–23, 2024, La Trinidad) – As part of its 31st anniversary, CCDC hosted a two-week Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Business Expo that brought together students, local producers, and small business owners in a vibrant showcase. With the theme “Promoting and Building Partnerships,” the expo featured on-site trainings (e.g. free bookkeeping and legal clinics) to help entrepreneurs improve their financial literacy and regulatory compliance. This collaborative event served as an open platform for micro-entrepreneurs, cooperatives, women’s associations, and even CCDC’s adopted rural communities of Banayakeo and Cayapes – fostering real-world skills, networking, and sustainable community business growth.
• “Bayang Malusog” Municipal Leadership Program (Nov 27, 2024, Baguio City) – In partnership with the Department of Health–Cordillera and the Zuellig Family Foundation, CCDC co-facilitated the Bayang Malusog Municipal Leadership Development Program on Universal Health Care[4]. The year-long course trained 11 Cordillera mayors and their health teams on improving local health systems, culminating in a graduation ceremony on November 27, 2024 in Baguio City. Through workshops, practicum projects, and coaching sessions, local chief executives learned to develop adaptive strategies for implementing Universal Health Care in their towns. This high-level outreach initiative underscores CCDC’s role in community capacity-building – sharing its academic expertise to help public leaders champion better healthcare and governance in their municipalities.
• Operation Kajo Typhoon Relief (2024) – After severe typhoons struck Northern Luzon, CCDC re-launched “Operation Kajo” as an education-focused relief drive. Mobilizing students, staff, alumni, and partners, the college collected and delivered essential school supplies to hard-hit areas in Apayao and Cagayan. One beneficiary was Upper Atok Elementary School in Apayao, where 77 students had their learning materials swept away by storms. By providing notebooks, uniforms, and learning kits, Operation Kajo ensured these young minds could continue their education uninterrupted. This initiative embodies the spirit of compassion at CCDC – uniting the school community to bring hope and help to peers in need, and demonstrating the college’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond its campus.
• “Sumika-sika” Community Education Series (year-round 2024) – CCDC also conducted ongoing non-formal education sessions under its Sumika-sika Series, which brings capacity-building activities directly to communities. These sessions covered practical life skills and knowledge on topics like basic nutrition and food safety, mental health and well-being, positive parenting, and disaster preparedness. In parallel, student volunteers through campus organizations and NSTP–CWTS classes carried out service projects in partner communities – from health and hygiene promotion workshops to the Aqua Care water storage improvement program for local child development centers. These grassroots initiatives empowered families with useful knowledge and improved essential services (clean water, sanitation, health education) at the community level, exemplifying CCDC’s hands-on approach to uplifting community welfare.

A Community-Rooted Mission in Action

Each of these outreach activities highlights CCDC’s deep engagement with the community and dedication to nurturing socially responsible leaders. Students gained experiential learning and a heart for service, while beneficiaries – from entrepreneurs and local officials to schoolchildren and parents – received education and support that address real needs. In doing so, CCDC stays true to its vision of “bringing education closer to the people,” delivering holistic, accessible, and inclusive learning experiences beyond the classroom. Through partnerships and volunteerism, the CCDC family translated its academic values into action, bridging gaps in society and strengthening community resilience. By aligning outreach with its mission and core values, Cordillera Career Development College continues to build empowered communities and enrich the lives of Cordillerans – one educational initiative at a time.

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