Jenny Felix – Page 4 – Cordillera Career Development College

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).

Academic Freedom Policy

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) strongly upholds academic freedom as essential to its mission of advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. In alignment with national and international standards, including SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), the institution guarantees faculty members the freedom to research, teach, and publish without undue interference.

Research Freedom

CCDC ensures that both senior and junior academics enjoy the liberty to explore and conduct research in their chosen fields. Research is supported through:

Institutional and Employee-Initiated Research: Faculty may pursue their own research interests or contribute to institution-prioritized projects, provided they align with the college’s research agenda.
Funding and Credit Units: Research efforts are supported through institutional funding, load credits, and honoraria. Faculty may apply for research units that count toward their academic workload.
Review and Ethics Process: Proposals undergo review by the Research Office and Research Management Committee to ensure quality, ethics, and alignment with academic goals.
Freedom to Publish: Faculty retain the right to publish or present findings in national and international venues.

These mechanisms empower academics at all ranks to meaningfully contribute to their disciplines and the community.

Teaching Freedom

CCDC affirms the right of its faculty to exercise professional judgment in teaching. This includes:

Curriculum Design: Faculty are free to develop course content and select materials, provided they meet academic standards.
Pedagogical Methods: Educators may use diverse teaching approaches to foster learning and student engagement.
Assessment: Faculty have the discretion to evaluate student performance based on approved academic criteria.

Teaching freedom is practiced within a framework that promotes quality education, respect, and institutional values.

Hence, CCDC’s policy reflects international principles endorsed by UNESCO and supports the academic freedom indicator in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. By protecting intellectual freedom and fostering scholarly integrity, the institution contributes to building accountable and innovative academic environments.

Academic freedom at CCDC is a protected right and shared responsibility. Through structured support for research and respect for teaching autonomy, the institution creates an environment where inquiry, dialogue, and discovery can flourish—benefiting students, scholars, and society.

CCDC adheres to inclusive governance through student, staff representation

Cordillera Career Development College adheres to a policy on inclusive governance which emphasizes the importance of involving diverse stakeholders such as students, parents, teachers, and community members in decision-making processes to ensure equitable representation and participation.

CCDC promotes transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility, fostering an environment where all voices are valued.

As such the institution recognizes the representation on the school’s highest governing body the elected representatives from the Student Government and Employees Association.

CCDC recognizes the election of the Student Government headed by its president Tzietel Jade Sacla and vice president Joemelyn Alindayo.

The results of the election:

Likewise, CCDC acknowledges the election and representation of all teaching and non-teaching employees through their duly-elected officers.

The CCDC Employees Association, who were sworn into office on December 22, 2023, are President Amor Segundo, Vice President Rovelyn Antonio, Secretary Neizel Lengset, Treasurer Dennis Guiniguin, Auditor Jhunedy Antonio, PIO Mariel Buac, and Business Managers Fortune Diwag and Marcial Etong.

The elected presidents of both associations shall be in constant engagement with the school’s governing board as representatives of their associations.

The school reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of excellent academic services through mutual engagement and cooperation with the representatives from the Student Government and the Employees Association.

CCDC College of Law Conducts Participatory Consultation on Proposed Fee Adjustments

From the left: Ms. Renaluz Lamsis (CCDC-College of Law Linteg Student Organization Vice President), Mr. Reginald Libang (CCDC Vice President for Finance), Mr. Pebrano Sabiling (Budget Officer), Mr. Roderick Nierva (CCDC-College of Law Linteg Student Organization President), Atty. Czarinah Rose Gumpic (CCDC College of Law alumna and faculty member), Atty. Alexis Agmata (CCDC College of Law Dean)

The College of Law held a formal stakeholder consultation on April 29, 2024 at the Board Room to discuss the proposed tuition and miscellaneous fee adjustments for Academic Year 2024–2025. The meeting was attended by representatives from the administration, faculty, alumni, and students.

Chaired by Vice President for Finance Reginald Libang, the consultation presented the breakdown of proposed fee changes, including College of Law specific fees such as the introduction of a Clinical Legal Education (CLEP) Fund, clarification of ExamSoft subscription costs, retention of the Bar Operations Fund, and discussions on the deferment of test material fees. Students raised concerns regarding library resources, athletic fees, and facility improvements, all of which were acknowledged and addressed by the administration.

A key highlight was the planned salary standardization for law faculty, a measure intended to enhance instructional quality and faculty retention. Students expressed understanding and support for this initiative, highlighting the importance of consistent and effective teaching.

Overall, the consultation reflected CCDC’s continuing commitment to participatory decision-making, where students are engaged as partners in shaping academic and financial policies. By fostering open communication and shared responsibility, the college reinforces a culture of accountability and ensures that policies remain responsive to the needs of its community.

CCDC and NACC-RACCO Hold Forum to Advance Adoption and Alternative Child Care

25 April 2024 | The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) , in partnership with the National Authority for Child Care – Regional Alternative Child Care Office (NACC-RACCO) Cordillera, hosted the “Forum on Adoption and Alternative Child Care” on April 25, 2024 at the Tupay-ya Gymnasium, Buyagan, Poblacion, La Trinidad, Benguet.

A total of 274 participants—including students from Social Work, Health Education, and Criminal Justice Education, along with representatives from the 16 barangays of La Trinidad—attended and participated in the event, a testament to the community’s enduring commitment to childhood welfare.

The morning program commenced with the preliminaries then was followed by Ms. Felisa A. Singlan, Social Welfare Officer- V, introduced the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), framing the day’s discussions within the context of national priorities on child protection and care.

The main segments of the forum presented relevant laws and programs:

Ms. Eartha Rache B. Amboni, SWO III, discussed Domestic Administrative Adoption under Republic Act No. 11642, highlighting the simplified processes for families to create safe, permanent homes for children.

Ms. Jane B. Quizzagan, SWO III, provided an orientation on alternative child care and the Philippine Foster Care Program, emphasizing the importance of nurturing environments for children in need.

Ms. Ruby Lynn P. Huag, SWO III, addressed the Simulated Birth Rectification Act (RA 11222), clarifying how families can legally correct simulated birth records for the full benefit and protection of children.

Following the presentations, a lively open forum allowed participants to seek clarifications and discuss local child welfare concerns, fostering active dialogue and shared learning between agency officials, students, and barangay leaders. In recognition of participants’ enthusiasm and involvement, organizers also gave away prizes, contributing to an atmosphere of encouragement and celebration throughout the event.The event closed with the distribution of tokens and certificates and final acknowledgments from the organizing committee.

By bringing together multiple sectors in one forum, CCDC and NACC-RACCO provided a comprehensive, accessible avenue for legal literacy on child welfare issues and fostered a culture of both professional advocacy and community involvement in support of every child’s right to family and protection.

Consistent with its mission as a center of quality 21st-century education for culturally diverse and global learners, CCDC continues to champion programs that bridge knowledge, ethics, and active civic participation. Through such forums, the institution affirms its lasting commitment to lifelong learning, fostering future-ready social workers and allied professionals for the benefit of society and the nation.

Community health outreach programs remain critical part of CCDC policy

Since its founding in 1993, Cordillera Career Development College has established and sustained a good relationship with its host communities.

CCDC firmly regards the communities as critical partners in providing holistic, accessible and inclusive learning experiences to students, molding them into culturally sensitive and responsible global citizens and leaders.

As such, the institution provides multi-faceted outreach programs and events to help improve and capacitate its host communities in various areas such as in health, sports, laws, economics, and local governance.

Among the institutional programs CCDC practice are the conduct of health and well-being promotions through information campaigns and collaborations to deliver medical interventions.

CCDC’s College of Health Education leads most of the activities towards this endeavor, deploying students under the Nursing and Midwifery degree programs on supervised activities and in partnership outreach events with local government units and non-profit organizations.

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

In October 2024, student nurses under the Nursing degree program conducted an educational class on residents of Shilan, a community in La Trinidad Benguet.

Dubbed “Mother’s Class Activity on Family Planning and Cervical Cancer Screening,” the whole-day event intended to bring essential health services closer to the community.

The student nurses conducted lectures on family planning options such as injectables, condoms, pills, and implant insertion, as well as on Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Such kind of initiative strengthens primary health care by promoting responsible parenthood, and supporting early detection of cervical cancer.

In December 2024, another batch of student nurses joined the Rural Health Unit of the local government of La Trinidad, Benguet in conducting AIDS awareness lecture and HIV screening to the community.

The event, held in celebration of the World AIDS Day, provided free opportunities for members of the community to avail of health service.

DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE

CCDC also puts a prime on delivering and engaging communities with disadvantaged people as part of its policy to uplifting its host communities.

CCDC’s host communities are dominantly Indigenous Cultural Communities which are primarily agriculture-dependent localities.

To help ensure that these vulnerable communities also have access to health information and services, CCDC partnered with the local government of La Trinidad and Medical Outreach Missions Fellowship Initiative of Saint Louis University to conduct an Optical, Medical, and Dental Mission on September 10 at Bineng, an outskirt community in La Trinidad.

Supervised by their Internship Instructor, student nurses under the Nursing degree program assisted in patient assessment, vital signs monitoring, health education, medication distribution, and crowd management.

The participation of students in supervised outreach activities enhanced their skills in health promotion, patient education, and community engagement. In doing so, they foster trust with community members and help address their pressing health needs.

Lastly, proper handwashing remains one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses. Recognizing its importance, nursing students assigned in Atok, Benguet conducted a school nursing activity focused on demonstrating proper hand hygiene among elementary learners in the community.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness on the role of handwashing in preventing common infections, especially among school-age children who are frequently exposed to various disease-causing microorganisms in their daily environment. Since young learners are at higher risk due to frequent hand-to-mouth contact and shared school materials, this activity aligned well with the students’ community health and preventive care objectives.

During the session, the nursing students discussed the significance of proper hand hygiene, emphasizing when and why handwashing is necessary based on the WHO’s Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. The learners were also guided through proper handwashing steps to ensure complete cleansing of the hands.

To make the activity more engaging, the nursing students used visual aids and interactive strategies. Songs and simple rhymes were incorporated to help the children remember the handwashing steps more easily. The learners actively participated, practicing the techniques and asking questions about how germs spread and why the use of soap is essential in removing them.

Overall, the demonstration proved meaningful in reinforcing good hygiene practices among young children, fostering healthier behaviors that contribute to disease prevention within their homes, schools, and the wider community.

Sustainable and Healthy Food Choices at CCDC

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability through responsible food sourcing and the promotion of local products. Recognizing the importance of supporting community producers while providing nutritious options for students and staff, CCDC ensures that its campus food establishments prioritize homegrown and sustainably sourced ingredients.

One prime example of this initiative is the Kampaw Station Café and Restaurant, which proudly serves Admirals Farm Park Homegrown “Cinnamon Roast” Coffee—an organic, hand-picked, and manually roasted blend produced locally in Puguis, La Trinidad

By featuring locally cultivated coffee, CCDC not only celebrates Cordilleran craftsmanship but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

In addition, CCDC promotes plant-based and locally grown produce through its Vegetable Day program for Basic Education, held every Wednesday and Friday. This practice encourages healthy eating among students while supporting nearby farmers who provide fresh, seasonal vegetables.

These initiatives align with the college’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By integrating sustainability into its food services, CCDC ensures that every meal served reflects its dedication to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

Through its sustainable dining practices, CCDC demonstrates that small, consistent efforts—such as sourcing from local farms and choosing organic, homegrown products—can make a significant impact. The college remains steadfast in fostering a campus culture that values health, sustainability, and support for local enterprise.