Operation Kajo in full swing as Typhoon Uwan devastates Northern Luzon

Cordillera Career Development College-led Operation Kajo has reached out to various individuals, families, and schools that were affected by the destruction brought by super typhoon Uwan last November. Swipe below to see the recent disaster response activities made by school personnel and volunteers from the institution, in partnership with the different local government units and agencies, around the Cordillera and even expanding Operation Kajo’s reach to Region II; because caring has no boundaries. Special thanks to all the donors and volunteers who made Operation Kajo possible.

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CCDC ranks among world’s green universities

In its maiden entry, Cordillera Career Development College ranked among the green universities across 105 countries in the 2025 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings released this December 5.

CCDC ranked 1,089th out of 1,745 participating universities which is 642nd in Asia and 56th in the Philippines. 

The UI GreenMetric is a ranking on green campus and environmental sustainability initiated by Universitas Indonesia in 2010. Through 58 indicators in 6 criteria, UI GreenMetric determined the rankings by universities’ environmental commitment and initiatives.

“We are thrilled to be ranked among the world’s green advocates. It is a motivation for CCDC to push for more green interventions and innovations,” said President Sherry Junette Tagle.

Among the green innovations CCDC employed over the past several years are the installment of a solar power system to augment its energy needs; setting up water catchment reservoir; incorporation of ecological awareness in academic activities; engaging accredited entities in transporting and disposing hazardous and non-hazardous wastes; and strictly banning single use plastics.

Beyond the rankings, Tagle said among the goals of CCDC for joining the UI GreenMetric is to learn and adapt best green practices from other schools as well as share its own.

The first university ranking system in the world focused on sustainability, UI GreenMetric has now become the world’s largest global network for sustainable campuses.

“We are looking at possible collaborations with other universities especially those situated in Asia, not only in terms green innovations but in all aspects of education,” said the President.  

Earlier this June, Tagle met with various university heads and forged separate Academic Cooperation Protocols with Ankara University in Turkey, University of Limpopo in South Africa, and Lingnan University in Hong Kong.*

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CCDC Upholds Financial Transparency Through Public Financial Reports

As part of its commitment to institutional integrity and accountability, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) publicly discloses its audited financial data annually. 

The college’s audited financial reports, prepared by an independent certified public accountant and compliant with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS), include detailed data on tuition income, operational expenses, assets, liabilities, and fund equity. These are compiled in CCDC’s official Annual Financial Statements and submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in accordance with government requirements.

The financial data covers all key financial activities for each academic year ending May 31. Highlights from the most recent report include gross receipts of ₱186.08 million for 2024 and ₱145.24 million for 2023, with detailed breakdowns of direct costs, administrative expenses, and capital outlays such as solar energy equipment investments

In addition, the reports include the college’s Annual Income Tax Return (BIR Form 1702-MX) and a formal Statement of Management Responsibility for both tax filings and financial reporting. These documents affirm that CCDC’s financial disclosures are truthful, complete, and aligned with national accounting standards.

Through this regular publication of financial data, CCDC ensures that stakeholders—including students, parents, regulatory bodies, and the public—can access clear and reliable information about the institution’s financial health. 

This transparency reinforces trust in the institution’s governance and supports evidence-based planning and development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

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CCDC Launches Formal Stakeholder Engagement Policy to Strengthen Community Collaboration

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) has adopted a Stakeholder Engagement Policy that reaffirms its commitment to fostering transparent, inclusive, and long-term relationships with its community and institutional partners. This development marks a significant step forward in aligning the college’s governance practices with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

For years, CCDC has actively partnered with local stakeholders such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and various Local Government Units (LGUs). These engagements have led to joint initiatives in public safety, governance training, disaster preparedness, and legal literacy. The newly implemented policy provides a unified framework for formalizing these partnerships through Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), collaborative planning, and shared accountability.

The Stakeholder Engagement Policy sets clear procedures for identifying key external stakeholders, formalizing agreements, coordinating joint projects, and reporting outcomes. It is rooted in five guiding principles: transparency, mutual respect, inclusiveness, accountability, and sustainability. By embedding these principles into its institutional practices, CCDC aims to ensure that all community partnerships are well-structured, impactful, and beneficial to both parties.

“This policy recognizes that our role as a higher education institution goes beyond instruction—it includes responsible engagement with the communities we serve,” CCDC President Sherry Junette Malaya-Tagle said.

“It also strengthens how we collaborate with government, civil society, and the private sector in advancing public good,” she added.

The policy applies to all academic units, departments, and extension offices across the college. It will be reviewed every three years to remain responsive to evolving needs and priorities.

Through this formalization, CCDC strengthens its position as a values-driven institution committed to democratic participation, responsive governance, and sustainable development.

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ELS pupils continue to practice ‘vegetable day’  

Every Wednesdays and Fridays, pupils from the Cordillera Career Development College – Elementary Laboratory School (CCDC-ELS) are asked to bring their own lunch, not just any lunch but viands of pure vegetable during the ‘vegetable day’. 

During lunchtime, the school asks parents to prepare pure vegetable viands for their children. The activity is being monitored by the advisers according to  Juvy Baso, Program Coordinator for Primary schoolers. 

At the start of the school year, ELS writes to the parents regarding its various programs that includes the activity, which is in line with CCDC’s aim of participating in the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goal 2, that promotes zero hunger and achieving food security and improved nutrition, as well as promoting sustainable agriculture. 

Aside from the vegetable day program, CCDC-ELS also imposes the use of personal water bottle as containers. This is to help in the prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse and reduction of food waste in support of the Sustainable Development Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production) via environmentally sound management of waste. 

“We have water only for our drinks: colored drinks such as C2, sprite, coke, Chuckie, and the like are discouraged,” Baso said.  

She added that for the snacks, they ask the parents to remove the wrappers or peelings of their snacks before placing them in a lunch box. They encourage their children to bring healthy snacks like fruits, bread, cookies, and pastries and no junk foods. 

“We hope to create an engaging and healthy environment for our children. The parents’ participation and compliance with this matter will give their child an enjoyable experience,” Baso said.  

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CTE makes reading fun for kids via Project Alisto 

With the aim of extending learning beyond the classroom through meaningful community engagement, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) conducts another round of Project ALISTO (Accelerating Learners’ Interest in Reading by Strengthening Techniques to Achieve Desired Outcomes) by conducting reading tutorials to pupils of Puguis Elementary School in La Trinidad,Benguet.

Now in its third year, the Project Alisto (alert in Filipino) brought the 45 pre-service teachers from the college to take part in the reading tutorial. 

“Through Project ALISTO, education students of Cordillera Career Development College transformed from learners into educators, bridging literacy gaps among elementary pupils while embodying compassion, adaptability, and social commitment,” Bliss Bacacao, CTE Focal Person for Extension Programs said. 

The program was launched in April 2023 where pre-service teachers conduct a two-hour session on reading literacy to elementary pupils ages 6 to 8 years old. 

Bacacao said the tutors demonstrated creativity and flexibility in addressing diverse learning needs. They modified their strategies to sustain engagement, shifting from traditional reading tasks to game-based learning when necessary. 

Recognizing the persistent reading difficulties revealed in the Functional Literacy Assessment Tool (FLAT) results of Puguis  Elementary School, a nearby school within the vicinity of CCDC, the Department of Education appealed for assistance to address this concern. 

This led to the  conceptualization of Project ALISTO —an innovative reading initiative jointly strengthened by  Puguis Elementary School and the CTE to cultivate literacy and enjoyment  among struggling readers. 

For three years, Project ALISTO has implemented Game-Based Reading Sessions designed by the CTE to make reading more engaging and less academic in style. These sessions transform learning into play through fifteen interactive reading stations, each featuring unique  games and leveled materials suited to learners’ abilities. 

Over the years, a significant impact has been  observed as learners have shown improved comprehension, fluency, and motivation to read. The  program underscores the importance of early literacy development and proves that when reading  becomes enjoyable, it lays the foundation for lifelong learning and discovery.

“Reading should never be seen merely as a school requirement but as an invitation to explore, imagine,  and enjoy. True literacy begins in the early years of a child’s life, when learners find joy in reading and  every page turned becomes a discovery rather than an academic task,” Bacacao said. 

The Project ALISTO program is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals number four which is Quality Education, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. 

Through the project, CCDC aims to be part in accomplishing target 4.6 which is the universal literacy and numeracy, that by 2030, it ensures that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.

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CCDC retains THE Impact ranking

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET – Cordillera Career Development College maintained its ranking among the world’s highest-performing universities in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings results released on June 17, 2025.

On its second year of participation, CCDC kept its standing in the 1001-1500 ranking bracket out of 2,318 colleges and universities across the globe. 

THE Impact Rankings measure the contributions of higher education institutions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through a rigid competency assessment.

This year, CCDC participated in six of the 17 SDG categories, adding one more category from its first participation last year.

“CCDC is continuously improving and developing in line with its vision as a center of quality education for culturally diverse and global learners,” said CCDC President Sherry Junette Tagle.

Tagle is part of the Philippine delegation organized by the Commission on Higher Education to the THE Impact Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025 at the Istanbul Congress Center, Turkey where the results were announced.

She was also among the speakers tapped for one of the sessions in the congress discussing how Philippine university leaders are steering sustainable transformation.

CCDC’s ranking in the SDG 1 remained at the 301-400 bracket, while it improved its ranking in SDG 3 from 1,001+ to the 801-1,000 bracket and in SDG 5 from 601-800 to 401-600 bracket.

Its ranking in SDG 16 and SDG 17 slightly dropped to 601-800 and 1501+, respectively, while its new category entry for SDG 10 earned a ranking at 1001+ bracket.

At the sideline of the THE Impact congress, Tagle met with various university heads and forged separate Academic Cooperation Protocols with Ankara University in Turkey, University of Limpopo in South Africa, and Lingnan University in Hong Kong. 

The protocols between the universities aimed to establish collaborations in the academic as well as cultural aspects. 

These protocols include the sharing academic knowledge and experience; academic staff exchange; student exchange; exchange in publications and materials; and joint research projects and the organization of joint scientific meetings.

With the establishment of the three protocols, Tagle is optimistic towards similar engagements with other higher education institutions from other countries in the near future.

She said these international collaborations will immensely aid in the advancement of the school’s programs and institutions as well as mutually impart its own best practices and initiatives to partner institutions. 

Coincidentally starting last year, CCDC has been promoting its tagline “Grassroots to Global” which reflects its commitment to its origins as a local institution while expanding its reach and impact on a global scale. It represents CCDC’s dedication to providing quality education rooted in the Cordillera region while also preparing students for a diverse and interconnected world.

Man-iyaman recognition program honors employees, students 

Close to 150 employees and students were recognized for their excellence and faithful service to the Cordillera Career Development College during the Man-iyaman Recognition Program on April 4 at the Tupayya Gym. 

The Man-iyaman program honors its service awardees and retirees, and Padayaw awards for employees of the year and outstanding students. 

The service awardees were led by Board Treasurer Sofia Fernando Malaya and Basic Education Principal Amor Banasen Segundo, who were both lauded for their 30 years in service. 

In her response, Segundo fondly remembers attending the groundbreaking of CCDC’s first building in its current location, after renting at the Pelizloy Building in Km. 5 as its classroom in the mid 90s. 

After staying with CCDC for a long time, those close to her asked why she did not apply to the Department of Education.

“Why would I look for another job when I’m happy here, especially because after some time, my former students became my colleagues,” Segundo said. 

With three years left prior to her retirement, the Program Coordinator of the Senior High School said she considers CCDC as her “home away from home.” 

College of Criminal Justice Education Dean Dennis Butag, meanwhile, is one of the 20 years of service awardee together with Prosecutor Mark Clifford Maranes; the latter started as a CCJE professor prior to being hired as a professor in the College of Law.   

“I look forward to continually being part of the accomplishment of the school’s vision and mission,” Butag said in his speech. He was hired after topping the criminology licensure exam in 2004. 

For Judge Ruth Bawayan, one of the 10 year service awardees, being a part of CCDC as a faculty member of the College of Law gives her a sense of community. 

“Thank you very much CCDC for caring enough, for giving us a chance to serve our community, and to give back to our profession. Iyaman mi,” Bawayan said.   

Other 10 year service awardees include: Jeff Julian Abanag, Dina Amdos, Atty. Andres Arnold Lampacan, Pros. Shirley Jane Malaya, Rosebel Miguel, Atty. Jansen Nacar, Reynaldo Samson, and Vience Villanueva. 

The 15 year service awardees are: Ret. Judge Adolfo Malingan, Judge Rufus Malecdan, Jr., Pros. Benedict Pataras, Ret. Judge Joseph Patnaan, and Atty. Miller Quintin, Jr.  

Five-year service awardees include Jacqueline Acod, Atty. Alexis Agmata, Pros. Jonjon Amcay, Marfelyn Angyatao, Pros. Gerard Babate, Bliss Bacacao, Atty. Bartolome Baldas Jr., Atty. Julio Barcellano Jr., Torino Basilan, Diana Brudo, Atty. Cyrus Calaya, Marcial Etong, Arlene Lalio, Jean Langan, Ret. Pros. Elmer Sagsago, Atty. Susana Umayat, Kimberlyn Valdez, and Atty. Julie Binaldo-Velasco.

President Sherry Junette Tagle was recognized for her 25 years service while  newly-retired Abello Kollin Fernando, was lauded for serving CCDC for 29 years prior to his retirement last year. 

Employees of the year are Melvin Ngayaan, Jane Sapilio, Cherry Cayadan, Silverluz Bataclao as faculty; Marivel Muñoz and Amor Segundo as Dean and Program Coordinator; Delia Sallied and Ronnie Ville Valdez as non-teaching staff; and Jaylo Lacaden and Chita Mang-usan as office heads.  

Padayaw awards were also given to students which includes the Tatak CCDC outstanding student award, emerging leaders award, volunteer service award, academic excellence award, CCDC pride award and the newsmaker award for student athletes who made waves in the recent CARAA. 

Vice President for Administration Atty. Annabelle Gondales thanked all those who became part of CCDC for 32 years—the students, employees, parents, partners, the community, and the Almighty for His guidance all these years.  

“As we celebrate these achievements today, let us also remember that our true strength lies not in our individual accomplishments, but in our collective efforts to build a community that values excellence, inclusivity and social responsibility,” Gondales said. 

The program is the culminating event of CCDC’s 32nd anniversary celebration with the theme: “Grassroots to Global: Championing Excellence Across Disciplines.”

11 Cordillera towns graduate from MLDP course 

Eleven towns from the Cordillera graduated from the Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) course on November 27 at Hotel Elizabeth, Baguio City.  

Graduates of the course are the municipalities of Atok, Bokod, Mankayan and Buguias in Benguet; Hingyon, Aguinaldo, and Asipulo in Ifugao; Bontoc and Sagada in Mountain Province; Lagayan, Abra; and Balbalan, Kalinga. 

The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) for Universal Health Care Acceleration dubbed “Bayang Malusog” is a course offered by the Department of Health-Cordillera in collaboration with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC). 

During the culmination activity, DOH-CAR Director Dr. Ferdinand Benbenen lauded the local chief executives and their municipal health teams for finishing the course. He said the leadership program is a step towards making the Universal Health Care a reality. 

Director for Local Health Systems Portfolio for Zuellig Family Foundation Dr. Catherine Chung urged the local government units to continue monitoring the UHC implementation in their respective areas, as primary healthcare is important in achieving UHC.

“It takes the whole of government approach, the whole of society approach; it requires collective effort to achieve the Universal Health Care. Let us reaffirm our commitment for UHC as a fundamental rights of the Filipinos,” Chung said. 

CCDC President Sherry Junette Tagle said they hope the program can generate adaptive responses in addressing emerging and persistent challenges especially in the implementation of the Universal Health Care. 

Tagle, who was also among the facilitators of the MLDP course, urged the LGUs to work together in the steadfast pursuit of quality care in the community.  

During the colloquia, the various mayors gave their narratives on how they handled, with their health teams, the implementation of the program in their respective towns. 

Municipal mayors present during the event were: Edmarc Crisologo (Lagayan); Franklin Smith (Atok), Thomas Wales (Bokod), and Dario Banario (Mankayan); Gaspar Chilagan Jr. (Aguinaldo), Archie Lee Quindo (Asipulo), and Florencio Nalula (Hingyon);  Almar Malannag (Balbalan); Jerome Tudlong Jr. (Bontoc) and Felecito Dula (Sagada). Buguias Mayor Ruben Tinda-an was represented by his municipal health team during the culminating activity, where the mayors recounted their application of the learnings from the MLDP course in their communities. 

The provincial health officers of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province then gave their responses to the presentations of the LCEs in their area. 

Benguet PHO Dr. Meliarazon Dulay urged the four mayors of Benguet to influence their fellow local chief executives to enroll in the MLDP course, which will give way for an improved healthcare system. This was echoed by the PHOs of Kalinga Dr. Edward Tandingan, Dr. Lilibeth Martin of Abra, Dr. Priscilla Pagada of Ifugao, and Dr. Carolyn Yawan of Mountain Province. 

“We cannot have a vibrant economy without a healthy population,” Tandingan said adding that sustainability is also important in the implementation of the program. 

The MLDP is a leadership course that consists of two modules of face-to-face training, practicum activities, technical sessions and coaching with experts, and colloquium culmination activities stretched over a 12-month period. 

It aims to equip the various local chief executives and its respective health teams composed of the municipal health officers, Sangguniang Bayan member for health, and the municipal accountant or an equivalent local finance committee representative to improve on their health care systems particularly on the implementation of the UHC.  

The Universal Health Care (UHC) Act in the Philippines or the Republic Act No. 11223, enacted in 2019, aims to provide all Filipinos with access to high-quality health services and financial protection. 

More MLDP courses are on the pipeline in the region with CCDC and ZFF as collaborators of DOH-CAR. 

Communities benefit from CCDC free legal aid activities

Pursuant to the objective of the Clinical Legal Education Program of law schools to ensure access to justice of the marginalized sectors, the College of Law through its law student practitioners and supervising lawyers, as well as partner agencies/entities, organized and conducted a series of free legal aid sessions across several communities in the Province of Benguet. The initiative aimed to provide accessible legal assistance to residents facing legal challenges, from family law issues to property disputes and criminal justice matters. 

The services provided to address these issues includes free legal consultation and advice, preparation of legal documents, free notarization of simple affidavits and legal assistance for public interest cases, among others. A total of 150 clients were accommodated for the year 2023 in the following areas: municipalities of La Trinidad, Kabayan, and Bokod in Benguet and at the University of the Philippines Baguio, Elpidio Quirino Elementary School, and Session Road in Baguio City.