Reaching the Unreached: How CCDC Brings Education to Far-Flung Communities

For 32 years, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) has stood by its founding mission of “Bringing Education Closer to the People.” This is not just a slogan—it is a commitment backed by deliberate, sustained action, especially for students from geographically isolated, low-income, and indigenous communities in the Cordillera region.

A key example of this commitment is CCDC’s annual Career Guidance and Marketing campaign, which actively reaches out to remote public high schools and out-of-school youth. The goal is simple but profound: to make higher education visible and accessible to those who need it most. This outreach effort plays a vital role in helping students from marginalized sectors overcome barriers to entry—whether financial, geographical, or social.

In 2024, this initiative helped CCDC exceed its targeted 13% enrollment of students from marginalized groups. In fact, 35.79% of new college freshmen—1,406 out of 3,928—came from indigenous groups and farming communities.

This marks a significant achievement, reaffirming the school’s inclusive admissions strategy and its capacity to engage underserved populations in meaningful ways.

“Since the lifting of pandemic restrictions, we have worked harder to reach communities where students often assume that college is out of reach,” said Registrar Dina P. Amdos. “Our August 2024 enrollment increased by 20.51% from the previous year, which shows the impact of meeting students where they are”

These efforts are not limited to promotion. CCDC also supports enrolled students through scholarship programs, psychosocial services, and academic support under its Ayowan Program—a holistic initiative that embodies care and compassion for learners from all backgrounds.

Through consistent outreach, strategic planning, and community partnerships, CCDC ensures that education is not a privilege reserved for a few but a right accessible to many. By actively going beyond its campus to serve far-flung communities, the college continues to live up to its legacy of inclusion and opportunity—one student, one village, one future at a time.

“CAREER GUIDANCE”

“SOUND BODY, SOUND MIND”

Sound Body, Sound Mind is both an initiative of the Sports Department and Extensions Services which aims to promote grassroots sports while also promoting the services and programs of the CCDC. This is in:

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Everyone Deserves a Chance: How CCDC Welcomes Students from All Walks of Life

For many young people in the Cordilleras, getting a college education can feel like an impossible dream. Distance, poverty, and life’s unexpected turns often put school on hold—or push it out of reach entirely. But at Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), we believe that every student, no matter where they come from, deserves a fair shot at building a better future.

This belief is more than just a slogan—it’s our mission. For over 30 years, CCDC has lived by the promise of “Bringing Education Closer to the People,” and today, that promise is stronger than ever.

Opening Doors for the Underserved

In 2024, CCDC didn’t just aim to include students from underrepresented backgrounds—it succeeded. Over 35% of our new college freshmen came from farming families, indigenous communities, or households with limited income.  Many of these students are the first in their family to attend college.

How do we reach them? Our dedicated Guidance and Marketing Team travels to remote public schools, reconnects with out-of-school youth, and makes sure that even the most isolated students know: you are welcome here.

From Getting In to Graduating Strong

It’s one thing to get into college—but it’s another to stay, succeed, and graduate. That’s why we’re proud that 62% of our 2024 graduates came from low-income or rural families. They’ve overcome challenges many people never see—and they did it with the right support.

That support comes through our Ayowan Program, named after the Ibaloi word for “care.” Ayowan offers:

Financial assistance through scholarships and grants,

Emotional and mental health support via counseling and mentoring,

Academic help like tutoring for students who are struggling.

This caring community has helped CCDC achieve one of the highest completion rates in the region—79% of our students finish their program. 

 Because once students feel supported in all areas of their lives, they thrive.

Financial Help That Makes a Real Difference

Money should never be the reason someone gives up on college. That’s why nearly half of all CCDC students in 2024 received scholarships or financial aid. We work with government agencies, private sponsors, and offer our own in-house assistance so students can focus more on studying—and less on surviving.

For students from far-flung barangays, we even offer affordable housing on campus. Some give back by helping with school maintenance or security, turning assistance into a form of service and pride

Real Stories, Real People

The power of education is best told through the stories of our students. Like Brent O. Fermin, who grew up in a farming community and worked as a student assistant just to stay in school. Despite the financial and emotional load, he graduated with a degree in Criminology in June 2024—and was honored for Excellence in Student Service

Also, Leorize D. Baleo-ang, who juggled academics and work as a student assistant. With determination and discipline, he earned his degree and became a police officer, now part of the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police. 

These are just two of many inspiring journeys that began at CCDC. Every year, more students like them prove that hard work, matched with the right support, can overcome even the steepest obstacles.

Justice, Community, and a Culture That Cares

Support at CCDC goes beyond tuition. Our Community Legal Aid Center offers free legal help to students and community members who need it most. And our campus is built around respect for Cordilleran values—welcoming students from all tribes, religions, genders, and identities.

Here, you’re not just a student ID. You’re a story, a dream in motion, and a valued member of a caring community.

The Future Starts with a First Step

If you’re a student—or a parent of one—wondering if college is really possible, we’re here to say: yes, it is. CCDC is built for students like you. Whether you’re from a mountain village, a farming family, or just looking for a second chance, there’s a place for you here. We don’t just offer education. We offer hope, support, and the tools to build a brighter future.

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CCDC Cares: Wellness and Service for All

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) continues its commitment to community empowerment by expanding access to vital health, wellness, and educational services through its existing community extension and institutional programs. These initiatives are grounded on the belief that education goes beyond the classroom—reaching families, communities, and vulnerable groups who need support the most.

At the heart of these efforts are two flagship non-formal education programs: Sumika-sika Series, which brings capacity-building activities directly to communities, and Ashal Series, which supports continuous learning within the CCDC workforce. These programs tackle essential topics such as nutrition, food safety, mental health and well-being, parenting support, and disaster preparedness—empowering participants with practical knowledge that improves daily living and strengthens community resilience.

One key focus of the recent sessions is nutrition and food safety, emphasizing how proper dietary choices and safe food handling practices contribute to overall health. Participants learn about nutritional balance, sanitation practices, and avoiding foodborne illnesses—knowledge especially important for students, families, and food service workers.

CCDC also reinforces mental wellness, hosting activities grounded in the PERMA model of positive psychology. Through seminars and interactive stations, students and employees engage in self-reflection, coping techniques, mindfulness, and peer support. These programs help build emotional resilience and reduce stigma around mental health.

In addition, campus-based organizations and NSTP–CWTS classes continue to extend service to partner communities. Projects such as health and hygiene promotion sessions, the Aqua Care water storage improvement program for child development centers, and Operation Kajo, a relief initiative for typhoon-affected schools, all demonstrate CCDC’s commitment to ensuring that basic needs—clean water, sanitation, health education, and learning continuity—are accessible to all.

These integrated programs highlight CCDC’s direction toward education that is responsive, compassionate, and community-rooted. By pairing academic learning with civic responsibility, the institution continues to bridge gaps in basic services, strengthen well-being, and uplift communities—true to its mission of bringing education and empowerment closer to the communities.

Basic Nutrition for Food handlers:  Canteen Concessionaires, Parents, Employees Training

𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝑪𝑫𝑪 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚

Not Alone Activity

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024–2026: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”

With the Call to Action: “Start the Conversation”

Psychological First Aid: Supporting Recovery Through Resilience

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗮j𝗼: 𝗔 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗼f 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 f𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗼

𝑨 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑬ff𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒊𝒅 𝑻𝒚𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒔

𝑨 F𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝑬𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

One of the primary beneficiaries of Operation Kajo is the Upper Atok School in Apayao, where 77 students have been impacted by the typhoons. To support their educational journey, the project will provide essential school supplies, ensuring that these young minds can continue their learning uninterrupted.

𝑨 𝑻𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕 Operation Kajo embodies the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines Cordillera Career Development College. By uniting various offices, alumni, and external partners, the college is demonstrating its commitment to making a positive impact on society.

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Empowering Cordilleran Entrepreneurs: CCDC’s Commitment to Community Business Growth

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) is lighting the way for local entrepreneurship in the Cordillera region. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, CCDC blends education with real-world business training to uplift the community and drive sustainable development. From bustling business expos to on-campus entrepreneurial hubs and outreach workshops, the college is transforming students and community members into empowered entrepreneurs. It’s an inspiring journey of education, sustainable development, community upliftment, and hands-on learning in action – all aimed at building financially and socially sustainable businesses in the region.

MSME Business Expo: Building Partnerships and Real-World Skills

One of CCDC’s flagship initiatives is the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Business Expo launched as part of the college’s 31st founding anniversary celebration. This two-week expo – held from March 7 to 23, 2024 – brought together students, local producers, and small business owners from neighboring communities in a vibrant showcase of products and ideas. True to its theme “Promoting and Building Partnerships,” the event was a collaborative effort across CCDC’s departments (Business Education, Accountancy, Law, and the Graduate School), designed as an open platform for micro and small entrepreneurs, cooperatives, women’s associations, and even the college’s adopted rural communities of Banayakeo and Cayapes.

At the MSME Expo, budding entrepreneurs not only exhibited their products but also gained vital knowledge through on-site training. A free bookkeeping seminar (part of the “Sumika-Sika Tako” series) was conducted by CCDC’s College of Accountancy, teaching basic accounting principles to help business owners manage their finances effectively. “This knowledge can help entrepreneurs manage their finances, scale operations, attract investors, and seek financing,” CCDC notes, emphasizing how financial literacy equips participants with skills for long-term success. Likewise, CCDC’s College of Law stepped up by offering legal assistance to attendees – guiding MSMEs on business registration and regulatory requirements to ensure they stay compliant and protected. These targeted resources (from bookkeeping to business law) give local startups a solid foundation in financial management and legal know-how, boosting their confidence to grow their ventures.

Importantly, the expo served as more than a learning venue – it was a networking and growth platform for the region’s entrepreneurs. By bringing together MSMEs, investors, and industry experts under one roof, the event helped address common challenges small businesses face in accessing markets, technology, and capital. Entrepreneurs gained visibility and market access by showcasing their products to the public and the college community. Such exposure promotes brand recognition and partnership opportunities, enabling MSMEs to scale up, innovate, and contribute more to the local economy. In short, CCDC’s MSME Expo bridged classroom learning with real-world entrepreneurship – demonstrating how an academic institution can catalyze community business development. Participants left not only with new sales and contacts, but with practical insights and an invigorated spirit to pursue their business dreams.

Entrepreneurship Center: Supporting Student and Local Products

Beyond large events, CCDC integrates entrepreneurship into daily campus life through its Entrepreneurship Center, an on-campus initiative that actively supports student startups and local producers. In partnership with the school’s Business Office, the CCDC Entrepreneurship Center purchases and promotes local products for use in the institution and for buy-and-sell activities. This means that everything from homemade goodies to handicrafts made by students or small family enterprises in the community find their way into campus stores, school functions, and even class projects. For instance, faculty and staff have sourced strawberry preserves from La Trinidad farmers and aromatic coffee brews from Benguet as tokens during school events or for resale at the campus entrepreneur shop. By doing so, CCDC provides student entrepreneurs with an opportunity to earn income and apply their business knowledge in a real market setting, all while uplifting local producers by giving their products wider exposure within the college community.

This symbiotic program creates a living lab of entrepreneurship on campus. Students learn the ropes of product sourcing, marketing, and sales first-hand – skills that simply cannot be learned from textbooks alone. At the same time, local small businesses benefit from a consistent client and promoter in the college. “Through this collaboration, CCDC strengthens its commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and practical learning,” the college observes, underscoring its role as a catalyst for both education and economic development in the region. The Entrepreneurship Center’s support network helps ensure that business ideas are not only incubated within the school, but also tested and refined with real customers. The result is a generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs prepared to run sustainable enterprises, and a community that thrives through shared success.

Empowering Youth through Collaborative Workshops

CCDC’s commitment to entrepreneurship and community upliftment extends beyond its campus and typical college-age population. In a remarkable collaborative outreach, the College of Social Work and the College of Business Education & Administration teamed up with the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) to run a seminar-workshop that empowers at-risk youth through livelihood training. This program was anchored on Republic Act No. 10611, the Philippines’ Food Safety Act of 2013, and aligned with RA 10679, the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, to ensure both practical skill-building and entrepreneurial education for the participants.

The workshop focused on food safety and entrepreneurial awareness, teaching the RRCY youth the importance of hygienic food handling (a crucial “farm-to-fork” knowledge for anyone in food businesses) while simultaneously igniting their interest in small-scale enterprise. Participants engaged in hands-on cooking sessions where they practiced proper food preparation techniques and learned to develop simple products safely. But cooking was just the beginning – these young trainees also gained “practical insights into managing a food business — including cost control, marketing strategies, and compliance with food safety regulations.” In other words, they were not only taught how to make a dish, but also how to turn that dish into a potential livelihood. By merging culinary skills with basic business acumen, the initiative provided tools for personal growth and a pathway for these youths to become entrepreneurs in their own right.

This collaborative workshop illustrates CCDC’s deep commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. It targets some of the region’s most vulnerable young people and equips them with skills and hope for a better future. In doing so, it advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – promoting good health and well-being through food safety (SDG 3), decent work and economic growth by fostering youth entrepreneurship (SDG 8), and even poverty reduction through opportunities for self-employment (SDG 1). The success of the program stands as a testament to the college’s mission of empowering not just its students but the broader community through education, health awareness, and entrepreneurial development. It’s a heartening example of how CCDC helps build a more economically resilient society by reaching out to those who need guidance the most, proving that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social change.

Driving Sustainable Development and Community Upliftment

Across all these initiatives, a unifying theme shines through: CCDC’s dedication to real-world training and community empowerment as a means to drive sustainable development. Whether it’s a college student starting a small venture on campus or a local farmer expanding market reach through a CCDC expo, the goal is to create financially and socially sustainable businesses that uplift livelihoods. Each program is carefully crafted with targeted resources and mentorship to ensure participants succeed not only in profit-making but also in building enterprises that can endure and give back to the community.

Through the MSME Expo, Entrepreneurship Center, and collaborative workshops, CCDC provides budding entrepreneurs with a holistic support system, including:

Financial Literacy & Bookkeeping Training: Workshops and seminars (like the Sumika-Sika Tako bookkeeping series) equip entrepreneurs with essential accounting skills to manage finances and plan for growth.

Legal and Regulatory Guidance: CCDC’s experts, such as the College of Law’s Community Legal Aid Clinic (CLAC), offer counseling on business registration, permits, and legal compliance, helping MSMEs navigate regulations confidently.

Product Promotion and Market Access: Through campus-based product showcases and business expos, local products are promoted to new customer bases. CCDC’s buy-and-sell programs give entrepreneurs a chance to test and refine their products in a supportive environment.

Hands-On Capacity Building: Practical training sessions and capacity development activities (for example, food safety and production workshops with RRCY youth) build real skills. Entrepreneurs learn by doing – from crafting products to crafting business strategies – ensuring they are job-ready and opportunity-ready.

By investing in these areas, CCDC doesn’t just produce graduates – it produces community leaders, job creators, and change-makers. The college’s efforts illustrate how education can be seamlessly intertwined with entrepreneurship to yield tangible social impact. Every seminar attendee who learns to keep better books, every student who sells a product they crafted, every rehabilitated youth who discovers a talent in business – they all become part of a growing network of empowered individuals contributing to the region’s economic and social vitality.

A Community Journey of Growth and Hope

CCDC’s proactive stance on entrepreneurship development has fostered a culture of innovation and mutual support in the Cordilleran community. The motivational ripple effect is clear: students dream bigger, local businesses grow stronger, and even marginalized youth find hope in new skills. In championing education that goes “beyond the walls of its halls,” CCDC has become more than a college – it is a partner in regional economic empowerment. The story of CCDC and community entrepreneurship is ultimately a story of hope and resilience. It shows that with the right support and opportunities, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary feats – be it launching a small family enterprise or transforming a hobby into a sustainable livelihood. CCDC invites everyone in the community to be part of this journey. Whether you are a student with a business idea, a local artisan with products to share, or a professional eager to mentor and give back, there is a place for you in this growing ecosystem of entrepreneurs. Together, the CCDC family and the wider community are proving that sustainable development is not just a lofty ideal but a reachable reality – one small business, one training, and one empowered individual at a time. In the highlands of the Cordillera, CCDC is planting the seeds of enterprise and nurturing them into thriving gardens of opportunity – and that is a future everyone can be excited about.

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CCDC Promotes Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs to Curb Poverty

As a step to curb poverty, Cordillera Career Development College firmly adheres to a policy of bringing education closer to the people through accessible and affordable quality education.

Of the 3,928 enrollees in 2024, CCDC has accepted 1,808 students are under scholarships or financial assistance programs which translates to 46% of the total enrollees.

On the first half of the year, 1,395 were under government and privately-funded scholarships and financial assistance programs while 181 were under CCDC various scholarship and financial assistance programs.

On the second half of the year, 1,775 slots were given under government and privately-funded scholarships and financial assistance programs while 266 slots were open under CCDC various scholarship and financial assistance programs.

These scholarships and sponsorships ensure that students coming from low- and middle-income families to have equitable access to earning their desired degrees.

Every semester, an average of 90% of CCDC’s enrollees come from the Cordillera region, which has a poverty incidence of 4.4% in 2023, according to the latest Family Income and Expenditure Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

In the Philippines as a whole, poverty incidence among families is at 10.9%.

As such, CCDC recognizes and undertakes multi-sectoral approaches and collaborations which focus on providing financial educational assistance to the less privileged members of the society. CCDC offers 11 scholarship and financial assistance programs to qualified students. To learn more about these programs, contact our scholarship coordinator at [email protected].

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CCDC: 32 Years of Bringing Education Closer to the People

For over three decades, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) has lived up to its founding vision of Bringing Education Closer to the People. In its 32nd year, the institution continues to expand its support programs designed to empower students—especially those from low-income families—to complete their college education and build better futures.

Ayowan Program: A Holistic Approach to Student Well-being

The CCDC Ayowan Program embodies the college’s commitment to holistic education. It goes beyond tuition support to address the multiple dimensions of student life—financial, academic, emotional, and social.

From direct financial interventions to mental health and counseling services, the Ayowan Program ensures that no student is left behind due to life’s challenges. It also includes peer mentorship and tutorial programs that help students cope with academic demands and maintain their emotional balance.

In 2024, approximately 64 students have availed of the services under the Ayowan Program, supported by around 18 volunteer counselors, peer tutors, and mentors. This community-driven initiative strengthens CCDC’s mission to nurture not only skilled professionals but also compassionate citizens.

Housing Support for Deserving Students

Recognizing that access to safe and affordable housing is essential to academic success, CCDC provides additional housing support for deserving students from remote areas and low-income families.

In return, some of these students take on meaningful roles as caretakers of school facilities—helping secure the campus and maintain its cleanliness during after-school hours. This initiative not only reduces living expenses but also fosters responsibility, service, and pride in community stewardship.

Community Legal Aid Center: Justice and Support for All

With the establishment of the CCDC College of Law and the offering of the Juris Doctor program, the institution extends its social responsibility through the Community Legal Aid Center (CLAC). Located at the heart of the campus, the CLAC offers free legal services not only to students and employees but also to members of the surrounding community who otherwise could not afford legal assistance.

In 2024, the CLAC has served over a hundred students and community members, providing advice, representation, and education on legal rights and access to justice.

A Continuing Legacy of Compassion and Opportunity

Through these initiatives, CCDC proves that education is not merely about academic excellence—it is about equity, compassion, and empowerment. By providing comprehensive support systems, the college ensures that every student—regardless of economic background—has the opportunity to thrive and finish their studies. As CCDC marks its 32nd year, it continues to stand as a beacon of hope for the youth of the Cordilleras—fulfilling its enduring promise of Bringing Education Closer to the People.

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Beyond the Walls of the Academe: CCDC in Governance and Policy-Making

Guided by its commitment to go “Beyond the Walls of its Halls,” the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) has, for over a decade, extended its influence beyond education—actively engaging in governance and policy-making to help end poverty and advance inclusive development.

CCDC plays a strategic role in shaping programs and policies at the local, regional, and national levels, particularly through partnerships, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives that strengthen governance systems and community leadership.

Through its Bayang Malusong Health Leadership Development Program, implemented in partnership with the Department of Health and the Zuellig Family Foundation, CCDC empowers local health boards to effectively implement the Universal Health Care Act, ensuring access to essential health services across the region.

As a recognized Civil Society Organization of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), CCDC is an active member of the Multi-Stakeholder Advocacy Consortium and various policy-making bodies, including:

Office/Agency                                                                                                             CCDC Representative
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)                                                           Prescila Palacsa
Gender and Development (GAD)                                                                                 Michelle Palongdias
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC)                 Julie-ann Bestre
Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC)                                                               Lourence Miguel
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)                                          Corazon Ocden
Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC)         Corazon Ocden / Marina Sagandoy
Department of Health (DOH)                                                                                       Marivel Muñoz / Marife Kidatan
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)                                           Melody Ducat / Kimberlyn Valdez
Department of Tourism (DOT)                                                                                      Wenilyn Mateo
Red Cross                                                                                                                      Marivel Muñoz
Office of the Governor – Teachers’ Day Council                                                           Rosaria Pes-oyen
Benguet Provincial Health Office                                                                                  Dr. Myla Corpuz
PhilHealth                                                                                                                      Marife Kidatan

In research, CCDC continually contributes evidence-based insights that guide policy formulation for the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights and the improvement of basic social services.

As the first non-sectarian private higher education institution established in 1993 in Benguet and serving the Cordillera provinces of Ifugao, Mt. Province, Apayao, and Kalinga, CCDC remains steadfast in its mission to make education a catalyst for equitable governance, empowerment, and poverty reduction.

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Hardwork and Dedications Pays Off:The Story of Brent and Leorize

Education, one word that carries a lot of hope and has the power to bring important changes to one’s life. It is one of the greatest accomplishments anyone could ever achieve. Unfortunately, not all students have the privilege to pursue their studies. But thanks to the initiatives of universities and schools, such as financial assistance programs and student assistant positions, many students are given the chance to finish their education and achieve their dreams. The stories of Mr. Brent O. Fermin and Mr. Leorize D. Baleo-ang are prime examples of perseverance and the power of education.

Born in a farming community, life was never easy. Money was never guaranteed, and one of the greatest struggles for farmers is the constant risk of bankruptcy. Even though parents desperately wanted to send their children to school, financial burdens often stood in the way. But Mr. Fermin’s determination proved that no obstacle, no matter how big, could stop him from achieving his dreams. During his college years, he worked as a student assistant, balancing his academic responsibilities with his duties.  CCDC provided free tuition and miscellaneous fees housing, and gave him compensation for tasks he was able to do.  Free housing and earnings I get from doing small tasks was a great help for me, recalls Fermin.  Although he was a working student, Mr. Fermin made sure to prioritize his studies, managing his time wisely and staying disciplined. During the height of the lockdowns, Fermin recalls how CCDC made sure he was in a safe living quarters, while continuing on with his studies and with provision of food allowance.  In June 2024, he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Criminology and was recognized for Excellence in Student Service. His story proves that achieving a dream requires courage, hard work, and perseverance.

Dreams require belief, belief that we can someday reach our goals. This is also the story of Mr. Leorize D. Baleo-ang, who has shown that a dream knows no age and must be accompanied by self-conviction. Mr. Baleo-ang worked as a student assistant during his college days, balancing his responsibilities as a student with his duties. Being a working student comes with immense challenges, both physically and emotionally. However, through self-discipline, time management, and determination, Mr. Baleo-ang not only managed to juggle his duties but also continued to strive toward his goal of becoming a member of the uniformed services. His experiences, both academic and as a student assistant, have shaped him into the person he is today, a police officer. His journey has now become an inspiring story for other students who may be struggling to stay on course. Education can lead to a brighter future for every child. However, many children lose hope due to the numerous obstacles they face. But just as Mr. Fermin did, they can find ways to keep going. Through determination and perseverance, they can finish their studies and achieve their dreams. Similarly, Mr. Baleo-ang’s story shows the power of believing in oneself and doing everything necessary to succeed. A dream, when combined with perseverance, discipline, and self-determination, can bring us closer to achieving our goals and making our aspirations a reality.

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CCDC Surpasses 13% Enrollment Goal for Marginalized Students

The CCDC Career Guidance and Marketing Team surpasses its 13% enrollment goal for marginalized students in 2024. 

Since the lifting of pandemic restrictions, CCDC has aimed to increase overall admissions to 20% per year.  Of which 13% of new freshmen enrollee come from indigenous, farming, low-income earning families.  To achieve this goal, the CCDC Career Guidance and Marketing team continues to reach out to far-flung public high schools and out-of-school youths who have discontinued their education due to financial or geographical barriers.

According to College Registrar Dina P. Amdos, “during the August 2024 admissions, college freshmen enrollment rose by 20.51%, a significant improvement from the 9.54% increase recorded in August 2023.” The previous year’s lower growth was attributed to continued hesitations over online learning and intermittent lockdown in the region.

For August 2024, CCDC successfully met its target of enrolling at least 13% of freshmen from marginalized groups, with 35.79% (1406 of the 3928) of enrolled college freshmen coming from the various indigenous groups of the Cordilleras and from farming communities.  This reaffirms CCDC’s commitment to inclusive education.

To sustain this momentum, CCDC has intensified its marketing and scholarship promotion programs, emphasizing the availability of institutional scholarships and financial assistance. The Scholarship Office plays an active role in helping students access both internal grants and external funding opportunities, easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Through these sustained efforts, CCDC continues to open doors of opportunity, ensuring that poverty and distance do not hinder deserving students from earning a college degree and building a better future.

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CCDC Representatives Empower Young Journalists at Daklan National High School

Two representatives from theCordillera Career Development College (CCDC), Ms. Adriane Love M. IgnasandMr. Jumuel D. Lictao, served asinvited speakersat theJournalism Workshopheld onNovember 4, 2025, atDaklan National High SchoolinDaklan, Bokod, Benguet.

The workshop gathered aspiring campus journalists and student artists for a day of learning, creativity, and collaboration. It aimed to strengthen their journalistic skills while nurturing artistic expression and media literacy — important elements in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Ms. Ignas shared her expertise on feature writing, editorial writing, and news writing. She also emphasized on ethical journalism, truth-telling, and the importance of accurate and balanced reporting. She underscored that the goal of campus journalism is not just for competitions but instill social awareness, civic consciousness and responsible use of freedom speech.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lictao focused on the artistic side of journalism, particularly editorial cartooning, illustration, and layout design. His session highlighted how visual elements can effectively convey messages and complement written stories. Through hands-on drawing activities, he encouraged participants to express ideas creatively and to use art as a powerful medium for truth and advocacy. He shared that “A single drawing can tell a story, challenge ideas, and move people to act — that is the power of visual journalism”.

The Daklan National High School community expressed deep appreciation to CCDC and the guest speakers for their time, talent, and dedication to nurturing young communicators and artists. The event not only enhanced students’ journalistic and creative abilities but also strengthened their sense of civic responsibility and critical thinking. By engaging in outreach programs such as this, CCDC continues to champion transformative education and community involvement, actively supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting learning beyond classrooms, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by empowering students to use both words and art to advocate for truth, peace, and social awareness.

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