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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