CCDC Aligns Research Agenda to UN SDG

Truly committed to excel in research, nurture integrity and be globally competitive, the Cordillera Career Development College updates its research agenda to ensure further alignment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The initiative commenced in August 2023 with a three-day Commission on Higher Education Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Relations (CHED FLAIR) training and culminated in December of the same year when the reviewed and approved version of the research agenda was finally issued to the deans for proper dissemination and implementation.

The process was an intricate one. First, to ensure that ll bases are covered, the more specific agenda statements of every college were matched to the SDG. Then, the ten institutional research agenda were laid down and matched with the 17 SDG. Eleven SDG (1-No Poverty, 2-Zero Hunger, 3-Good Health and Well-Being, 4-Quality Education, 5-Gender Equality, 8-Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9-Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities, 13-Climate Action, 16-Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and 17-Partnerships for the Goals) were covered with the exception only of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 Responsible Consumption and Production), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land). In a truly consultative manner, the agenda was presented to department heads and students in October 2023 before it was finalized. It then underwent further vetting by VP Abigail T. Bersamin (Academics) and VP Annabelle B. Gondales, (Administration) and ultimately by Pres. Sherry Junette M. Tagle.

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Cordillera Career Development College: A Beacon of Opportunity Through Scholarship Grants

The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) has documented a substantial increase in beneficiaries of the CHED Scholarship Program – Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) during 2023. The government-sponsored program, administered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), saw its recipient numbers surge from 82 students in the second semester of 2022-2023 to 426 students in the first semester of 2023-2024.

The Institution stands as a testament to quality education for culturally diverse learners. The college’s mission is to deliver quality education and services through holistic, accessible, and inclusive learning experiences, nurturing culturally sensitive and responsible global citizens and leaders. A key component of this mission is the CCDC’s robust scholarship program, which provides vital financial assistance to students, enabling them to pursue their educational aspirations.

Moreover, these scholarship programs have a profound impact on the lives of students, enabling them to pursue their educational goals without the burden of financial constraints. The program empowers students from diverse backgrounds, including those from low-income families, rural communities, and marginalized groups. By providing access to quality education, CCDC fosters a more equitable and inclusive society, contributing to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

The data also reveals a significant gender disparity in the distribution of scholarships. While a higher number of female students received external scholarships, particularly in the CHED programs, male students dominated the internal scholarship categories, such as Student Assistant and Varsity/Sports. This disparity highlights the need for CCDC to implement strategies to promote gender equity in its scholarship program.

Thus, CCDC scholarship program plays a vital role in promoting access to quality education and empowering students from diverse backgrounds. The program’s impact extends beyond individual students, contributing to the development of a more equitable and inclusive society. By analyzing the data and addressing the gender disparity, CCDC can further enhance its scholarship program and ensure that it continues to be a beacon of opportunity for all students.

By addressing the gender disparity and expanding its scholarship program, CCDC can become a powerful catalyst for change in the Cordillera region. The college can empower students from all backgrounds, break down barriers to education, and contribute to the development of a more equitable and inclusive society. CCDC’s vision is to become “the center of quality education for culturally diverse and global learners.” By embracing this vision and implementing the recommendations outlined above, CCDC can ensure that its scholarship program truly empowers all students, fostering a brighter future for the Cordillera region and beyond.

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Institutionalizing Work-Life Balance in the Academe

For the past 31 years, CCDC prides itself in being a second home of students and of its employees.  Since then it has established various flexible practices that allow employees opportunities that will help them as they start their young families.

Aligned to the national laws and labor guidelines, CCDC is fully compliant with providing benefits for maternity, paternity, special leave benefits for women, solo parent leave, leave for victims of violence against women and their children.  In addition, CCDC provides more family-oriented benefits to include educational benefits for its employees and educational benefits for direct children to assure employees that dependents can avail of free tuition fee from Nursery to Grade 12, including some college degree programs.

In 2023 alone, 8 employees availed of maternity and paternity benefits which included extended leave days upon the request of the employees were granted by the school.

In collaboration with the CCDC Birthing Clinic, a duly licensed birthing facility used by the BS Midwifery program, child rearing and breastfeeding facility is provided and readily available for breastfeeding mothers, both students and employees.  

For toddlers, the CCDC Elementary Laboratory School Reading and Play room is also available for toddlers who are interested to play and read.  

All these special privileges are free of charge and have been enjoyed by employees for several years.

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Empowering Global Learners and Promoting Equity

This trend continued in 2023, with an even higher percentage of women from first-generation backgrounds entering college. Wherein the proportion increased to 48.89%, with 71 out of 110 (64.54%) first-generation female students starting their college journey.

Founded in 1993, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) became the first private higher education institution among the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, and Kalinga, initially offering computer and vocational courses to over 100 students.

As it aims to be a center of quality education for diverse, global learners, providing holistic, accessible, and inclusive education to develop responsible global citizens and leaders. Committed to gender equality, CCDC goes beyond government mandates to integrate Gender and Development (GAD) in all its operations, aligning with the Philippines’ goals for inclusivity.

CCDC’s efforts include supporting first-generation female students, improving access, increasing senior female academics, and fostering a safe, inclusive environment. The institution’s gender and development initiatives promote equity, highlighting women’s contributions across various sectors and ensuring fair access to resources.

Proportion

The increasing proportion of first-generation female students at CCDC highlights a significant shift toward greater educational access for women from families with limited higher education backgrounds. In 2022, 45.94% of women comprised the total number of students beginning a degree, with 81 out of 147 (55.10%) being first-generation female students, marking them as the first women in their families to pursue higher education, breaking barriers to education and setting a powerful example for future generations. 

Access

In 2022, CCDC saw a 2.95% increase in female student enrollment, reflecting its commitment to gender equality through an Open Admission Policy that ensures all applicants, regardless of gender, are accepted. This inclusive approach is further supported by scholarship data, with women consistently making up more than half of both external and internal scholarship recipients in 2023, demonstrating the institution’s support for female academic success.

CCDC also promotes gender equality through career guidance sessions in local high schools, encouraging young women to pursue underrepresented fields like Criminology. These efforts challenge traditional gender roles, empowering women to break barriers and contribute to social and economic development in their communities.

Participation

The high representation of female senior academic staff at CCDC—65.78% in the first half of 2023 and 66.67% in the second half—significantly advances gender equality within the institution. 

This growing female leadership reflects CCDC’s commitment to a gender-inclusive environment, where women are encouraged to take on key roles. It fosters a more diverse and equitable academic culture, benefiting both students and the broader community by challenging gender norms and creating equal opportunities for growth.

Completion

The increase in female graduates at CCDC reflects significant progress in gender equality. In 2022, women made up 63.50% of all graduates, up from 45.22% in 2021. In STEM courses, 100% of graduates were women in 2022, up from 88% in 2021, showcasing women’s growing presence in traditionally male-dominated fields.

 In Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences, female graduates rose from 33.33% in 2021 to 60.11% in 2022, indicating greater gender balance across disciplines. These trends highlight the institution’s success in empowering women and promoting gender equality in education.

Welfare

Guided by the principles of gender equity, sensitivity, non-discrimination, and human rights, CCDC integrates these values into its governance, curriculum, student services, and activities. This commitment is outlined in the CCDC Student Handbook, which emphasizes the importance of gender mainstreaming in education and the protection of students from all forms of gender-related violence, abuse, and discrimination. The policies are designed to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

The impact of these efforts is clearly evident in the student body, where the proportion of female graduates has consistently risen. In 2022, there was a 6.36% increase in women’s graduation rates, this 2023, the rate increased by 17.62%. These figures show the growing empowerment of women within the institution. 

Moreover, in 2021, 73.22% of students who accessed mentoring and counseling services were female, and in 2022, this figure remained high at 57.47%, indicating that women are actively seeking support to excel in their studies.

CCDC’s gender-responsive policies also extend to its employees. The institution offers maternity leave benefits to female staff, with six employees availing of the benefit in 2021. Additionally, CCDC supports work-life balance for all employees by providing childcare facilities. These facilities are available for both students and staff, allowing parents to bring their children to campus and access spaces where they can safely play or study. This support helps create a more inclusive environment for those balancing family and work or study commitments.

Further reinforcing its commitment to gender equality, CCDC has clear policies that protect employees and students from discrimination. These policies ensure that individuals reporting discrimination are protected from any educational or employment disadvantage, fostering a fair and supportive environment for all.

In the wider community, CCDC’s inclusive approach has had a ripple effect, encouraging students—especially women—to pursue higher education and professional development in traditionally underrepresented fields, such as science, technology, economics, and mathematics.

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CCDC Leads the Way in Promoting Well-being and Empowerment through Community Activities

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) is championing good health, well-being, and reducing inequalities by organizing a series of impactful activities in 2023 focused on mental health, self-discovery, and community empowerment. These programs, uniting staff and students, aim to enhance resilience and foster a supportive community.

Silaw: Bringing Light to My Precious Scar – January 12, 2023, JMM Hall
The year began with Silaw, a transformative event for Junior High School students that promoted self-acceptance through reflective activities and goal-setting. Participants explored personal challenges and built resilience, finding hope in each other’s support. By the program’s end, students were inspired to be guiding lights for their peers, cultivating a positive, supportive culture at CCDC.

Pasgedan di Namnama Series 1: Understanding is Healing – April 26, 2023
In April, the Pasgedan di Namnama series emphasized the theme “Understanding is Healing.” This event created a safe, inclusive environment where students could discuss challenges and appreciate cultural diversity. Through meaningful dialogue, participants learned that empathy and understanding are foundational to healing and to building supportive relationships.

Watch video here.

Psychosocial Activity: Self-Discovery – May 25, 2023, Admirals Park
In May, Grade 6 students and their parents took part in a Self-Discovery Psychosocial Activity at Admirals Park. This program encouraged students to recognize their strengths, reflect on their self-concept, and make positive choices. By comparing self-perceptions with others’ encouraging views, students gained confidence and clarity to navigate life’s decisions healthily.

More pictures here.

Seed to Forest: Life Skills Seminar – October 16, 2023, JMM Hall
The Seed to Forest seminar motivated Junior High School faculty to view their personal growth as vital to the school community’s collective strength. Senior High School faculty, meanwhile, attended another part of the Wasdin Sumya series, titled Mental Health is a Universal Human Right: Our Minds, Our Rights. Here, they shared struggles, supported each other, and took pride in their growth, promoting resilience through shared experiences.

Wasdin Sumya: Mental Health is a Universal Human Right – October 23, 2023
In October, CCDC capped off the year’s SDG 3 initiatives with Wasdin Sumya, an event designed to promote mental well-being and reduce stigma for Grades 4-6 students and teachers. Through workshops and discussions, participants learned self-care strategies and how to support one another, fostering a compassionate school environment that values mental health.

Peer Advocacy Training: RACE Against Suicide – October 12-14, 2023, Plaza Garden Hotel and Residences
To further empower its students as advocates, CCDC held a three-day Peer Advocacy Training. This training equipped students with essential skills to support their peers in self-discovery and healing, encouraging them to be active participants in promoting mental wellness within their academic community.

Through these initiatives, CCDC strengthens its commitment to the well-being of its students and community, aligning with SDG 3’s mission to promote health, mental wellness, and unity. Each activity has created a ripple effect, underscoring the importance of healthy minds and connected communities for a thriving future.

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Working on Reducing Inequalities in Education

CCDC, a private, non-profit, non-stocker educational institution of higher learning strives to continuously gain ground in upholding quality education for all.  As such policies to ensure this goal is embedded in its admission policy including its Code of Discipline as clearly expressed in its Handbook for Students.

The CCDC Admission policy clearly states that CCDC is open to all students who meet the admission requirements, primarily the Diploma of Senior High School Completion and other legal documents, and to those who agree to abide by its policies, rules and regulations.

‘The Registrar and Admissions Office anchors its policy on RA 9442 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.  As such, no student is denied admission to programs offered on account of a disability or additional requirements imposed on them” states Registrar Dima P. Amdos.  

Amdos adds that, to ensure the success of the students with disabilities, the school strongly recognizes the inherent role of the home and of the parents, and works on strengthening home and school partnerships and aligned goals and strategies.

In the same way, Annabelle B. Gondales, CCDC Vice President for Administration, CCDC strives to be gender responsive and commits to integrate the principles of gender equity, gender sensitivity, non-discrimination and human rights in its governance, curriculum instruction, student services and all student activities, including research and extension programs.

This is consistent with the policy of the Commission on Higher Education and the Department Of Education, including UNESCO.

Gondales also adds that CCDC is undertaking gender mainstreaming in education to address both enduring and emerging gender and sexuality-related issues, to promote the protection of children and students from all forms of gender-related violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination and bullying to promote gender equity and all forms of discrimination in the campus.

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Deepening CCDC Engagements on Policy Development and Review

Recognizing the significant role of research in policy development and review,  government agencies including local government units and the private sector have strengthened collaborations with higher education institutions like CCDC, to engage them in various research and community-based activities that would help frame relevant policies and provide feedback and evaluation on existing policies and its implementation.

In the same way, the CCDC student research agenda has also been crafted in harmony with the needs of the community, of partner-agencies to ensure research utilization in the fields of social welfare, disaster risk reduction, health care programs, peace and order and education.

As an academic institution, CCDC is also involved in Local Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Committees, Barangay Drug Abuse Council, Tobacco Control Regulatory Committee, Tourism Council, Provincial Health Committee, Legislative Awareness Council, to name a few.

In July 2023, the CCDC College of Law and the Philippine Earth Justice Center has formalized its partnership to ensure strengthened delivery of legal assistance aligned to protection and enforcement of environmental laws and addressing environmental justice issues in the local communities.

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Beyond the Walls of its Halls:  CCDC Ensures Sustainable Livelihood through Financial Literacy with its Partner Communities

By: Mariel H. Buac

In a bid to address poverty through mentorship and training on Entrepreneurship, two recent initiatives by Cordillera Career Development College’s (CCDC) College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA) brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, local business leaders, and community members. The first, led by the Banayakeo Poultry and Basket Weavers Cooperative, focused on practical skill-building in traditional crafts. The second, the widely attended “Sumika Sika Series” seminar, highlighted accessible and inclusive entrepreneurship. Together, these events underscore a growing commitment to empowering individuals through education, cultural preservation, and collaborative growth.

Sumika Sika Series: An Inclusive Entrepreneurial Seminar for Aspiring Business Leaders

Expanding on these community-driven initiatives, CBEA launched the “Sumika Sika Series” seminar on March 23, 2023, as part of CCDC’s Community Extension Service and in celebration of the institution’s 30th anniversary. Held at CCDC’s Tupay-ya Complex and board room, this full-day event was designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. With a turnout of 533 participants—42 in the morning and 491 in the afternoon—the seminar proved highly popular, drawing attendees from across the region and beyond.

The Sumika Sika Series provided attendees with an immersive experience, offering interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, and ample opportunities for networking. Notable speakers included Mr. Rhode Ruzzel Cabatic from the Department of Trade and Industry, Ms. Jamie Beth B. Galian from the Department of Science and Technology, Mr. Kristoffer John T. Oro from Landbank of the Philippines, and local business leaders Ms. Grail Polig and Ms. Kristine Paayas. Each speaker shared insights on topics like financial literacy, digital marketing, and resource management, fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth.

The seminar’s interactive format encouraged dialogue and collaboration, with each session followed by open forums where participants could engage directly with speakers and seek tailored advice for their ventures. Emphasis was placed on networking, with numerous local business owners, CCDC representatives, and budding entrepreneurs forming connections that could extend well beyond the event. The supportive atmosphere allowed attendees to explore potential partnerships, exchange ideas, and discuss common challenges in a communal setting.

The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring local entrepreneurs who shared their personal journeys, emphasizing resilience and the importance of aligning business practices with personal values and community needs. Attendees gave the event an overall rating of 3.9 out of 4, with feedback highlighting the quality of insights provided and the practical advice shared by the experts. Many participants expressed gratitude, particularly for the informative sessions about resources from agencies like DTI and DOST.

Both the Banayakeo workshop and the Sumika Sika Series exemplify CCDC’s commitment to strengthening local economies by equipping community members with the skills and knowledge to turn traditional crafts and innovative ideas into profitable enterprises. By focusing on accessible, practical, and inclusive education, the institution and its partners aim to foster a culture of entrepreneurship that values both cultural heritage and economic innovation.

For individuals interested in learning more or getting involved in future events, CCDC’s Community Extension office encourages them to follow the Cordillera College Facebook page or reach out directly to stay updated on upcoming workshops and seminars. As more events are planned, these initiatives are set to continue fostering entrepreneurial skills, community connections, and sustainable development across the region.

Panbadangan Project Series Launches Financial Literacy Workshop for Banayakeo Community

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) recently conducted a series of community outreach activities at Mauro Lauro Elementary School in Sitio Banayakeo, Atok, Benguet, the institution’s adoptive community, on March 13, 2023 as part of the “Panbadangan Project Series” aimed at empowering rural communities. This event, organized by the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) in collaboration with the Banayakeo Cooperative, aimed to cover fundamental aspects of financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and effective resource allocation. 

CCDC faculty members and staff from various departments, including the College of Accountancy (COA) , College of Teacher Education (CTE),College of Criminal and Justice Education (CCJE), College of Health Education (CHE), College of Social Work ( CSW), College of Law (COL) and finance experts led interactive sessions, breaking down complex financial concepts into practical steps tailored to the community’s needs. Topics included creating household budgets, managing savings, and understanding the basics of credit and debt.  

The day’s activities were categorized into two groups: one for parents and teachers, and another for students. Parents and teachers participated in sessions on understanding Filipino Children and Child Protection Laws, Battles and Blessing in Parenting, and Financial Literacy. Students, on the other hand, were engaged in activities such as a health check-up, reading comprehension, a sports clinic, and basic self-defense.

The event aimed to address various concerns within the community helping them to identify potential financial goals and develop realistic plans to achieve them. The workshop also addressed strategies for managing seasonal income fluctuations, limited access to healthcare and the need for self- defense skills are the common challenge in rural communities. Attendees were encouraged to adopt saving habits that align with their income cycles, helping them achieve greater financial stability.

The CCDC team emphasized that the Panbadangan Project Series is part of the broader community-based Entrepreneurial initiative and stressed on the importance of community engagement. In addition, the event highlighted the institution’s commitment to providing support and resources to rural communities and empower local communities by providing educational resources and skill-building opportunities. 

The event was deemed a success, with participants expressing gratitude for the valuable knowledge and skills gained. CCDC plans to continue its outreach activities and further strengthen its partnership with the community.

Banayakeo Poultry and Basket Weavers Workshop Promotes Sustainable Livelihoods

The “Entrepreneurial Talk with Banayakeo Poultry and Basket Weavers” workshop, held on November 16, 2023, at Banayakeo Barangay Hall in Atok, Benguet, was a unique event that brought traditional knowledge and skills to the forefront of community-led economic initiatives. Organized by CCDC’s Community-based Entrepreneurial School in collaboration with the Banayakeo Poultry and Basket Weavers Cooperative, the workshop aimed to equip locals with practical skills in poultry farming and basket weaving—two crafts integral to the cultural and economic growth of the region.

Community members engaged in hands-on sessions led by experienced cooperative members and CBEA faculty. For those interested in poultry farming, experts shared insights on essential practices like feed management, disease prevention, and maximizing egg production. The goal was to provide a sustainable pathway to income generation, with participants gaining a deeper understanding of how even small-scale poultry operations can lead to financial stability.

The basket weaving session captivated attendees by highlighting the intricacies and creativity of traditional craftsmanship. Cooperative members guided participants through material selection, weaving techniques, and finishing touches that improve the durability and appeal of each piece. This segment emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage through local crafts, showing how traditional basket weaving can evolve into a viable and sustainable source of income. The workshop’s success demonstrated the potential of merging tradition with business principles to create new economic opportunities.

The Banayakeo Cooperative and CCDC-CBEA department envision these workshops as a cornerstone of ongoing entrepreneurial support in the region. Future events will focus on other traditional crafts and skills, with organizers hoping to foster a culture of skill-sharing, community solidarity, and economic independence that benefits both individuals and families.

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Compassion in Education: The CCDC Ayowan Program Ensures No Learner is Left Behind

In a more intensified effort to provide a holistic education and support for its students, the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) launched Project Ayowan on 26 April, 2023 at the university gym.

A Kankana-ey term, “ayowan” means “care.” This project is intended to provide care or assistance to students depending on their vulnerabilities which may range from academic to emotional and mental challenges. 

Aligned with the college’s dedication to the United Nation’s SDG 1-No Poverty and 4-Quality Education, Project Ayowan intends to provide mentors for students and assure them that they have someone to run to if faced with difficulties. Mentors are pooled volunteers from teaching and non-teaching personnel of CCDC. For sessions that may tackle more sensitive issues, licensed counselors will be engaged.

Specific services includes reading and comprehension tutorial, Math tutorial, academic counseling services, talk therapy sessions, facilitated guardian/parent and student sessions, guardian/parent academic information services, and other forms of services that support the intent of this program such as monitoring and follow-up services, spiritual support, and the like.

To ensure a secure place and provide privacy, facilities were identified to conduct individual or group sessions depending on need.

Immediately after launch, 15 volunteer mentors enlisted and six months after, a total of 524 students availed of Ayowan services. Academic counseling services and talk therapy sessions were the most in-demand.

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CCDC Collaborates with PES for Project ALISTO

True to the spirit of “binnadang,” the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) quickly responded to Puguis Elementary School’s (PES) call to implement Project ALISTO (Alleviating Learners Interest in literacy and numeracy skills by Strengthening Techniques to achieve desired Outcomes). 

Proposed by Ms. Marlene A Naboye of PES, ALISTO is a remediation program to address the current reading and numeracy skills issue among young learners. This was conceptualized after individualized assessments and the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) results in PES had shown that the learner’s literacy and numeracy skills are far behind the expected skills within their grade level.

Pre-service teacher-volunteers of CCDC are shown assisting PES learners in efforts to improve their reading skill.

Launched in 20 April 2023, this successful initiative paired volunteer pre-service teachers from CCDC with identified pupils of the PES for two-hour sessions on reading literacy. Post-assessment results showed improvement in the word recognition and reading skills of the 63 learners who participated.

Aside from conscious efforts to contribute to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals 1-No Poverty and 4-Quality Education, the project also made a significant impact on the 57 students who volunteered to be part of the project. It became an avenue of experiential learning that resulted in the development of their creativity, innovation, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking skills.  

The effort was well-appreciated by the PES and both partners are looking forward to a second round of implementation.

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