Hospitality and Tourism Week 2025: “Mabuhay Cordillera — The Admirals’ Fiesta!” Marks a Week of Competitions, Creativity, and Cultural Pride

The Hospitality and Tourism Week 2025: “Mabuhay Cordillera — The Admirals’ Fiesta!” was a vibrant and meaningful celebration that showcased the skills, creativity, and professionalism of BS Hospitality and BS Tourism students of CCDC. The event opened with a lively ceremony featuring the ribbon cutting, launch of the Trade Fair, and the Oath Taking of the newly elected HTM Guild Officers. As one organizer shared, “This celebration reflects our pride and commitment to sustainable tourism.”

Throughout the week, students actively participated in various competitions including Fruit & Vegetable Carving, Chicken Dressing & Cooking, Virtual Tour Guiding, Flight Showmanship, Table Napkin Folding, Baby Cake Decorating, and the Hospitality and Tourism Quiz Bee. These activities brought out the students’ enthusiasm and competitiveness, prompting one participant to remark, “It felt like real industry training—challenging but fulfilling.”

Skill-building sessions further enriched the celebration. The Housekeeping Seminar and Bed-Making Demo provided hands-on practice and professional insights. According to the speaker, “Precision and discipline define true hospitality service.” Likewise, the Public Speaking and Master of Ceremony Seminar strengthened the students’ confidence and communication skills, with the trainer reminding them, “Your voice is your first tool in hospitality.”

The week concluded with the Trashion Show and Closing Program, where students showcased sustainable fashion creations and celebrated the achievements of competition winners and those who represented the school in off-campus events. The closing message captured the spirit of the celebration: “Your hard work made this week truly remarkable.”

Overall, the activity successfully enhanced student confidence, teamwork, industry readiness, and appreciation for Cordilleran culture while promoting sustainability in tourism and hospitality, a very significant learning experience for students beyond classroom lectures.

EXPLORING HOSPITALITY HORIZONS: BS Hospitality Management Industrial Tour 2025

The 4th year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students of CCDC, under the Industrial Tour course, recently embarked on a two-day immersion tour at Manila and Clark on November 20-21, 2025. This journey was designed to provide firsthand experience to students in the hospitality establishments that offer unique perspectives on service excellence and hotel management. One of the key highlights of the tour was the students’ stay at the 4-star Azumi Boutique Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Their overnight experience allowed them to observe and appreciate the hotel’s guest service quality from a guest’s point of view. Alongside, they also toured City Garden Hotel in Manila, where they gained deeper insights on food and beverage operations and the daily workflow of hotel staff.

To further enrich their learning experience, the students attended a series of industry focused seminars and workshops at the Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA), one of the country’s premier training institutions for aspiring hospitality and culinary professionals.

The sessions were facilitated by seasoned practitioners who shared their extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the global hospitality landscape. The seminars helped broaden the students’ understanding of the industry and provided a clearer picture of the diverse career paths available to future hospitality professionals. 

Another standout feature of the tour was the hands-on visit to the Godel Chocolate Factory, where the students were introduced to the intricate world of artisanal chocolate making. They observed each stage of production from cacao bean selection and fermentation to grinding, molding and packaging allowing them to appreciate the craftsmanship behind premium chocolates. The highlight of the workshop was an opportunity for the students to create and design their own chocolate bars.

The tour served as a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, strengthening their understanding of the hospitality industry and inspiring them to pursue excellence in their future careers.

CCDC College of Criminal Justice Education Shines in the 19th National Forensic Science Specialization Training

The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) once again demonstrated its strong commitment to advancing forensic competency and professional development of its faculty members during the 19th National Forensic Science Specialization Training, held from November 23–30, 2025, at Brentwood Apartelle, M. Roxas Street, Baguio City. 

With the theme “Advancing Forensic Expertise for Modern Investigation,” the week-long live-in training brought together forensic practitioners and criminal justice professionals from across the Philippines to strengthen their expertise in specialized investigative disciplines. Participants completed 80 hours of intensive instruction, hands-on simulations, and expert-led workshops across five major fields, namely: Fire Arson Detection and Investigation Course, Forensic Investigation of Violent Crimes, Advanced Forensic Photography Specialization Course, Advanced Forensic Ballistics Specialization Course, and Advanced Forensic Chemistry Specialization Course.

CCDC’s College of Criminal Justice Education fielded five dedicated delegates—Shannia Brineth B. Bandao, Marcial M. Etong, Vergel C. Bayacsan, Justin B. Lingaling, and Charity T. Bayawa—who all represented the institution with professionalism and competence. Among them, Shannia Brineth B. Bandao distinguished herself in the Fire Arson Detection and Investigation Course (FADIC) by ranking first overall, securing first place in the Expert Witness Oral Defense component of the course, and receiving commendation as Class President of FADIC.

In the Advanced Forensic Ballistics Specialization Course, Marcial M. Etong earned second place overall, and in the Expert Witness Oral Defense in the said course. Vergel C. Bayacsan, representing the Advanced Forensic Photography Specialization Course, attained first place in the Expert Witness Oral Defense, while Justin B. Lingaling excelled in the Forensic Investigation of Violent Crimes course by earning second place in the Expert Witness Oral Defense.

The collective participation and achievements of these five delegates underscore CCDC’s dedication to developing competent, culturally grounded, and globally prepared professionals. Their strong performance mirrors the institution’s continuous pursuit of educational excellence, one that emphasizes holistic development, civic responsibility, dignity, and cultural awareness. By engaging in rigorous national forensic training, the delegates embodied the college’s commitment to empowering learners through meaningful, and experience-driven opportunities. Their success affirms CCDC’s vision of shaping responsible leaders who bring honor to their fields and contribute meaningfully to community safety, justice, and nation-building. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Research and Navigating the Publication Process:A Seminar-Workshop by the CCDC Graduate School

The Graduate School of Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) conducted an in-campus seminar-workshop on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Research and Navigating the Publication Process” for its graduate students enrolled in Thesis Writing on November 29, 2025. The activity provided the students with information on using proper prompts to communicate with AI applications, identifying potential ethical violations on AI use, packaging research or thesis tailored to the publication journal requirements, and responding appropriately to journal/peer reviewers’ comments.

Mr. Daniel Jr. S. Balbin and Dr. Tecah C. Sagandoy, from CCDC’s partner institution, Benguet State University, were the resource speakers. The seminar-workshop was facilitated by the Graduate School Student Organization officers.

This activity is part of the Capability and Research Engagement (CaRE) program of CCDC Graduate School.

𝗖𝗖𝗗𝗖 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 51𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗔𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗜 𝗕𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 2025

The Social Work Department of the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) actively participated in the 51st National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI) Biennial Convention held on November 26–28, 2025, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City. With the theme “Reimagining Social Work Education: Innovating for an Inclusive, Intergenerational, and Sustainable Future,” the national gathering brought together social work educators, practitioners, and experts from across the country, as well as guests from other nations, to engage in meaningful discussions on the evolving landscape of social work education and practice.

CCDC was represented by three faculty members—Dean Melody Calpase-Ducat, Ms. Kimberlyn M. Valdez, and Ms. Aelline G. Carame. Their participation demonstrated the institution’s strong commitment to continuous professional development and academic excellence.

The convention served as a significant platform for professional learning, networking, and collaboration, providing participants with valuable exposure to emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in social work education and practice. It also opened opportunities to engage with national experts and colleagues from various higher education institutions, strengthening professional networks essential for the advancement of the field.

The event showcased a rich program of plenary sessions, forums, and research presentations that highlighted crucial aspects of the social work profession. These sessions enhanced the knowledge and skills of educators and practitioners while fostering meaningful dialogue within the field. Guided by respected speakers and panelists, participants explored sustainable and innovative approaches designed to keep social work practices grounded in ethical principles and responsive to societal changes. The discussions underscored the importance of ensuring relevance in the present while building resilience for the future.

Through their participation, the CCDC Social Work faculty gained significant insights that would enhance instructional approaches, strengthen academic strategies, and support the continued alignment of the college’s programs with both national and international standards. The learnings drawn from the convention were expected to contribute to the department’s ongoing efforts in curriculum enhancement, faculty competency development, and the preparation of globally responsive and future-ready social work graduates.

Driven by progress and hope, NASWEI renewed its commitment to preparing social workers with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities. More than just a gathering, the NASWEI convention stood as a cornerstone of social work education, a carefully designed platform that continues to guide the profession toward creating lasting positive change for a better future.

Lastly, the faculty expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the CCDC administration for its unwavering support of faculty development initiatives. Their participation in this prestigious national event was made possible through the institution’s commitment to empowering its educators, fostering professional growth, and ensuring that the Social Work Department remains at the forefront of quality social work education. The faculty conveyed their appreciation for the trust, encouragement, and continued opportunities provided by the institution’s support, which inspires them to bring back enriched knowledge and renewed dedication to their students and the institution.

Ultimately, the convention inspired educators and practitioners alike to carry forward renewed purpose, strengthened collaboration, and innovative approaches that will empower the next generation of social workers to champion positive change for a better and more compassionate tomorrow.

By: Kimberlyn M. Valdez

CCDC Hosts 3^rd C.U.B.E. Quarterly Meeting, Driving Quality Assurance and Community Collaboration

La Trinidad, Benguet — November 29, 2025. The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) hosted the 3rd Quarterly Meeting of the C.U.B.E. Management Exchange (CUBE ME), a multi-institutional initiative committed to “A Collaboration for Excellence.” Held from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN, the event brought together academic leaders, quality assurance officers, research directors, and extension coordinators from partner institutions within Baguio  City.

The host represented by  Atty. Annabelle B. Gondales, the  Vice  President for  Administration, warmly welcomed the participants. Then the meeting was highlighted with the presentation of Dr. Kareen B. Leon, QAO Director of the University of Baguio (UB), on their ongoing progress toward internationalization through strengthened quality assurance systems. Her presentation was also complemented by  Dr. Janice Kaylyn  K. Lonogan, their  Vice  President for  Academic  Affairs.  Their session emphasized the strategic role of quality assurance in positioning higher education institutions for global engagement and accreditation. Following the presentation, Ms. Jessica Balag-ey,  Research Director of Easter College Inc. (ECI), facilitated the open forum, allowing participants to exchange insights on institutional development through quality assurance.

The presentation was then transitioned to the second part, which is the meeting regarding the C.U.B.E’s initiatives with their partnership with  Atok. Dr. Corazon L. Ocden, CCDC Research Director, led the business meeting segment, which focused on the updates and planning for the ongoing community-based initiatives. Dr. Ocden highlighted the timeline for the implementation of the community profiling activity that was requested by the  8 barangays of  Atok.  Then it was followed by the updates on   CUBE’s MOA accomplishments.  Dr. Michael Sebullen, BCU Research Director, highlighted the fruitful accomplishments in research partnership activities,  extension activities, and  Quality Assurance capacity building.

The meeting was then concluded with a proposal from  Dr. Donnavila Marie Panday-Herbster, UB RIECO Director, on the plan to conduct a  National Teachers’ Congress.

As the meeting concluded at noon, participants left with renewed commitment to collaborative excellence and community impact. The discussions on internationalization, extension activities, and future congress planning underscored the strength of C.U.B.E. as a dynamic consortium of academic institutions. With actionable plans and strengthened partnerships, the 3rd Quarterly Meeting marked another milestone in advancing quality assurance and educational innovation across the region.

As C.U.B.E. continues to evolve, its member institutions remain united in purpose—building bridges across communities, empowering local leaders, and advancing quality assurance as a cornerstone of educational transformation.

“C.U.B.E ME (C.U.B.E Management Exchange) is a collaborative initiative among Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), University of Baguio (UB), Baguio Central University (BCU), and Easter College Inc. (ECI) that aims to strengthen partnerships in higher education through shared best practices in research, extension, and quality assurance. CUBE ME is more than just a meeting of institutions—it represents a regional movement toward academic excellence and sustainability. By working together, these universities and colleges are building a stronger educational ecosystem that benefits students, faculty, and the wider community.”

by: Jacqueline C. Acod

CCDC Graduate School Students Facilitated DRRM Capability Program at Adaoay National High School, Kabayan, Benguet

As part of the Graduate School Capability and Research Engagement (CaRE) Program of Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), the graduate students in the class of Prof. Janet A. Lee organized an extension activity in partnership with Adaoay National High School in Kabayan, Benguet, on November 19-20, 2025. The class invited resource speakers, took responsibility for the food and tokens, and facilitated the event. The two-day activity focused on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM)Training for teachers and students to equip them with information and skills required for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.  

The first day highlighted two topics, with corresponding demonstrations from the speakers, and a return demonstration from the participants. The first topic was on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It was handled by Ms.  Darcy B. Agustin, a 2015 Midwifery alumnus of CCDC. The demonstration was facilitated by Ms. Jeanette M. Padday, a 2017 CCDC Midwifery alumnus, and Ms. Jenifer T. Panganiban, another midwife.  The second topic was on fire safety. FO3 Ryan Santos, from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), discussed the components of the fire extinguisher and how to use it properly.

On the second day, the BFP team conducted an earthquake and fire drill. The hands-on experiences that were provided by the resource speakers and facilitators boosted the confidence of the participants. The activity was successful, with one of the resource speakers mentioning that this was the first time they had given a lecture and demonstration on DRRM in a school.  She added that they hope to hold more lectures in the future, ideally for longer periods, so that they can provide the participants with more in-depth discussions.

By:

Kathleen Sagada

CCDC Receives Recognition as Partner in Health of the Local Government Unit of the Municipality of La Trinidad, Province of Benguet

The Municipality of La Trinidad – Municipal Health Office recognized Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) as one of its “Kadwa ti Salun-at, Binnadang Heroes” or partners in health during the 3^rd La Trinidad Salun-at Awards on November 28, 2025 held in the municipality’s gymnasium.

The citation specifically expresses the local government’s recognition of CCDC’s strong support in strengthening public health programs especially for the STD-HIV/AIDS prevention promotion in schools by providing an enabling environment to the program’s implementation during the NAMNAMA (Nurturing Awareness, Mobilizing Networks, and Advocating to Mitigate the impact of AIDS and STIs) Campus Tours. The award was received for CCDC by its Vice President for Academics, Atty. Abigail T. Bersamin.

CCDC’s partnership with the municipality and community engagement on health programs are made possible through its College of Health Education that currently offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

CCJE Faculty Upskills in Human Rights-Compliant Investigative Interviewing

The faculty of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) of the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) underwent a crucial two-day Upskilling Program focused on human rights-compliant methods of Investigative Interviewing. The said activity was held on November 22-23, 2025 at the Iyaman Hall, CCDC. The activity aimed to upgrade the learning of the participants in investigation, particularly on techniques that respect human rights as an alternative to traditional police interrogation.

The specialized seminar was made possible through collaboration of organizations dedicated to justice and human rights particularly the PCAP-CAR Chapter, UC Rights 2 Life, and the Philippine Investigation and Forensic Science Academy (PIFSA).

The intensive program featured distinguished speakers who delivered comprehensive sessions critical to modern criminal justice practices. Judge Adolfo Malingan (Ret.) tackled Oversights of Custodial Investigation, covering the causes of case dismissals, the legal and procedural foundations, offering essential insights into the legal limits and supervision governing police custody and questioning.

Dr. Rachelle B. Lintao shared on The Mendez Principles and Interviewing Child Witness which focused on the globally accepted guidelines for ethical and effective interviewing of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, ensuring that all procedures adhere strictly to human rights standards.

The second day of the session featured Dr. Rudy Gahar and PLT Pedro B Barsane Jr (Ret.) as they shared their trainings and experiences in the field of Investigative Interviewing Techniques.  It was focused on the practical application of evidence-based interviewing. They shared to the participants interviewing techniques that prioritize the ethical gathering of accurate information over coercion or confession extraction.

This professional development initiative emphasizes the CCJE’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of criminal justice education, ensuring that faculty members are equipped with the most current, ethical, and rights-compliant methodologies.

This recent relearning of faculty members is expected to impact their teachings in the different Criminology subjects involving investigation. As the CCJE Dean, Dr. Dennis M. Butag, said that “continues capacitation of faculty members is necessary to be able to continually deliver quality education to the students.”

The CCJE Faculty formally extends its profound gratitude to the CCDC Administration for consistently providing essential faculty development opportunities that elevate the college’s academic and professional standards.

By: Sheina Ledda

1st MSME Business Expo: Promoting and Building Partnerships

In celebration of the 31st founding anniversary of the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) with the theme “GRASSROOTS TO GLOBAL: Breaking New Grounds on Firm Foundations”, academic departments of CCDC conducted its 1st MSME Business Expo: Promoting and Building Partnerships with a Business Talk and a Bookkeeping Seminar under Sumika-Sika Tako Series. The activities took place at the Students Open Lounge, Tupay-ya Complex entrance, and CCDC Board Room last March 7-23, 2024, from 8:00am to 5:00pm. It involved a collaborative participation between the Community-Based Education School (CES) of the College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA) with the Graduate School’s Capability and Research Engagement (CaRE), College of Law’s Community Legal Aid Center (CLAC) and the College of Accountancy (COA). It was open to the community, especially:

• students with small businesses,
• employees with home-made businesses,
• micro and small business owners,
• cooperatives, women’s associations,
• the adopted community of Banayakeo and Cayapes, and
• other MSMEs.

A business expo for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is a strategic platform for growth, innovation, and networking. It brings together MSMEs, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, facilitating knowledge exchange, market access, and partnership opportunities. The expo aimed to address the challenges MSMEs face in accessing markets, technology, and finance. It promotes visibility, brand recognition, and market presence, enabling MSMEs to scale up, innovate, and contribute to socio-economic development.

Key participants in the expo included:

• Load Manna Consumer Cooperative (LMCC): A consumer cooperative in Benguet formed by Load Manna E-Loading Dealers and Retailers.
• Benguet State University (BSU) BS Entrepreneurship Students: Adding an element of academic innovation, students from the BSU BS Entrepreneurship program showcased their creative outputs, featuring innovative food products, and clothing lines infused with a Cordilleran touch.
• CCDC Employees: Employees utilized the platform to exhibit and market their homemade products.
• CCDC 4th Year BS Entrepreneurship Students: CBEA students demonstrated their technical knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit by displaying their projects in hydroponic farming, highlighting sustainable and modern agricultural techniques of the Cordillera region.

Business Talks
The CBEA hosted a Business Talk seminar attended by CBEA students and facilitated by experts from DOST and DTI. Dr. Sheila Marie Singa-Clever, Provincial Director of PST under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), discussed their Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). This nationwide program provides technical assistance and funding to MSMEs to adopt technological innovations, improve product quality, and increase productivity and competitiveness. Also, Ms. Shyna Tuazon, a business counselor from the Negosyo Center of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), discussed crucial aspects of Product Labeling and Packaging. DTI, through its Negosyo Centers, frequently holds sessions on this topic, which is vital for MSMEs to comply with regulatory requirements and enhance their marketability.

Bookkeeping Seminar
A bookkeeping seminar which was handled by the College of Accountancy, through their resource speaker Ms. Jaleh Lomirez, is a valuable educational opportunity for individuals and small business owners to understand basic accounting principles and bookkeeping practices. This knowledge can help entrepreneurs manage their finances, scale operations, attract investors, and seek financing. It equips participants with the skills and resources needed for financial success and stability. The College of Law’s CLAC provided on-site legal assistance to MSMEs on necessary business regulatory requirements and other legal concerns.

The activities conducted underscores CCDC’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aimed to venture into new partnerships with the local community and provide an avenue for our stakeholders to gain experience and promote their businesses for the community to appreciate (SDG 1, SDG 2). Similarly, students’ participation is widely appreciated for the success of these activities for the reason that they are invited to showcase and market their innovative products (SDG 4, SDG 8).