CCDC Bags Multiple Awards at Benguet Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2025

The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) student journalist secured numerous awards at the Benguet Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2025 held in Kapangan, Benguet on December 9-12, 2025.

The Cordillera Compass delegation earned top placements in individual and group categories, including a championship finish in Sci-Tech Writing (Filipino) and a second-place win in Online Publishing (English, marking a strong return in its second participation after years of absence.

CCDC’s highest individual honor came from Hanabeth D. Payang, who clinched 1st Place in Sci-Tech Writing (Filipino) qualifying her to join the regional press conference.

Other notable rankings include Hanzen Egrin D, Pico, 4th place in Editorial Cartooning (English); Mhel Jane L. Bravo, 4th Place in Mobile Journalism (English), Ryan Victor B. Eyeg, 7th place in Sports Writing (English); Xhierelle Nicole D. Mauricio, 7th Place in Editorial Writing (English); and Khizar R. Mazher, 10th Place in Mobile Journalism (Filipino).

CCDC also placed 6th overall in individual performance, marking one of the school’s best DSPC showing in recent years.

Group competitions also proved successful for the delegation. The Online Publishing (English) team members, Lara Faye C. Canuto, Joana May D. Ariaga, Hanzen Egrin D. Pico, Shalina Faith P. Luis, and Pracela T. Lamichhane, achieved 2nd Place, while the Online Publishing (Filipino) team including Angelo James A. Ligmayo, Aechelle Pearl C. Sawey, Jhezelle Kai E. Vicente, Jassy B. Uy, and Wileen C. An gel secured 5th Place. In Collaborative Publishing (English), the team Sherieka S. Celes, Chaiane Eden P. Diwas, Ayesha Shyna T. Villacencio, Jemzel Kate G. Tolabis, Yazmeen L. Abdul Latif, Kiara L. Berking, and Adrienna Celine W. Paleng placed 10th. The school’s News Page entry finished 9th place.

The Cordillera Compas delegation was guided by Advisers Ms. Diana M. Brudo, Ms Adriane Love M. Ignas, Ms. Krishelle Depayso and Ms. Levi-Ruth Pokling and with special assistance from Mr. Iverson Arce. School administrators including the School President Dr. Sherry Junette M. Tagle, Basic Education Principal Rosaria M. Pes-oyen, SHS Coordinator Amor B. Segundo, and JHS Coordinator Beverly M. Milo also provided support for the school’s participation.

Other delegates who contributed to the school’s representation included Frances Nicole M. Lahboy, Savannah Signey P. Johnson, Ryan Dominic C. Elis, Jarlene C. Agno, Neri Jhay S. Dis-ag, Maegan Jem G. Tolabis, and Scaskea P. Fagyan.

The four-day conference gathered student journalists from across Benguet, with more then seventy partifcipating schools, in the secondary level to compete in various journalistic fields, aiming to enhance campus press excellence.

CCDC’s renewed presence at the DSPC signals growing momentum for its journalism program and continued commitment to developing young journalist in the region.

     Unveiling the Cordilleran Soul: Cordi 101 Culminates with a Celebration of History, Culture, and Heritage

The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) successfully celebrated the culminating activity of the Cordi 101 course with an enriching full-day event titled “Ensemble and Tapestry of Traditions: Presentation of Cordilleran Culture” on December 6, 2025. The program brought together approximately 600 students, all eager to showcase their deepened understanding of Cordilleran heritage, traditions, and identity.

The culminating activity aligned strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasize inclusive learning and cultural preservation. 

One of the main highlights of the day was the seminar titled “Cordilleran History and Igorot Identity,” delivered by Sir Mark Joshua A. Balao-as, a distinguished instructor from Benguet State University, College of Social Sciences. As the co-author of the book Tawid Cordillera, Balao-as offered students a profound and scholarly perspective on the region’s heritage. His lecture explored the complex tapestry of Cordilleran culture. The session helped students appreciate the interconnectedness of cultural preservation, contributing to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Throughout the morning and afternoon, students presented a variety of cultural performances, showcasing traditional dances, rituals, attire, and artistic expressions representing different Cordilleran ethnolinguistic groups. These presentations highlighted not only the richness of local culture but also the creativity, cooperation, and dedication of the students. 

Adding vibrancy to the celebration were the traditional games, which fostered camaraderie and strengthened social bonds among participants. These activities promoted physical well-being, teamwork, and cultural appreciation.

The event concluded with an awarding ceremony recognizing outstanding performances, followed by a community dance, symbolizing unity and collective cultural pride. This culminating moment captured the essence of Cordi 101: A celebration of identity, heritage, and shared responsibility in keeping Cordilleran culture alive.

The success of the Cordi 101 culminating program reflects CCDC’s unwavering dedication to producing educators and professionals who are culturally grounded, socially aware, and committed to community development. By weaving together tradition, scholarship, and sustainable development, the event not only honored the Cordilleran soul but also empowered the next generation to carry its legacy forward.

By: Diana Rose T. Leckias

             CTE Faculty

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).

Celebrating Student Research Excellence Through the 1st CCDC Research Colloquium

On March 14, 2025, the Research and Quality Assurance Office conducted the 1st CCDC Research Colloquium at the Senior High Hall of Cordillera Career Development College with the theme “Grassroots to Global: Excellence Across Disciplines”. This event highlighted the importance of research utilization in real-world settings, and provided an avenue for students to practice and improve their skills and self-confidence in research presentation and defense. Faculty and students from the various departments witnessed as the aspiring researchers from the different departments of CCDC presented their remarkable undergraduate research papers.

An esteemed panel of judges were invited to assess the groups’ presentations and pose challenging questions. The judging panel consisted of Dr. Michael T. Sebullen (Director of Research of Baguio Central University), Ma’am Jessica Balag-ey, MAed (Research Development and Extension Director of Easter College Inc.), and Ma’am Beca May P. Palitayan, MSCJ (OIC Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education of Baguio Central University).

The program, hosted by Sir Dennis Guiniguin, began with a doxology led by the CCDC Glee Club. Atty. Abigail T. Bersamin delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Corazon L. Ocden presented the activity rationale and introduced the judges, while Ma’am Sharon Lictao laid out the criteria for judging. After all the preliminaries were completed, the research colloquium began.

A total of eight groups participated in the colloquium, with one group from the College of Health Education (CHE), one group from the College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA), three groups from the College of Accountancy (COA), and three groups from the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE). The following titles were presented:

Paper 1: “Parental Perspectives on The Use of Herbal Medicines”

Paper 2: “Implementation of Comprehensive Solid Waste Management in La Trinidad Benguet by Restaurant Owners”

Paper 3:“Effectiveness of Accounting Software in Learning Accounting Courses”

Paper 4: “Effectiveness in the Conduct in Marketing Mix in Maintaining the Competitiveness in Business”

Paper 5: “Factors Contributing to The Success of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Pico, LTB”

Paper 6: “Tourism’s Double-Edged Sword: Unveiling The Link Between Tourism Growth and Local Crime Rates”

Paper 7: “Unveiling The Contributing Elements of Academic Struggles in the First Year of College: Insights from CCDC First Year Criminology Students”

Paper 8: “Lived Experiences of The Graduates Of Penal Institution With Over Ten Years Behind Bars On Community Reintegration.”

The first four groups presented their papers and answered questions from the panel. Then, the CCDC Glee Club returned to perform a wonderful intermission number. With nerves that were hopefully soothed, the last four groups went up next. The half-day event concluded with an awarding ceremony for the judges and winners. For the Best Research Paper category, 3rd place went to Paper 8 from CCJE, 2nd place was awarded to Paper 3 from COA, and the winning paper was Paper 5 from COA. Meanwhile, the Best Oral Presentation category was won by Paper 8 from CCJE, with Paper 5 from COA getting 2nd, and Paper 2 from COA garnering 3rd. After all the awards had been given, Sir Lourence Miguel led the closing prayer to finish the event. As CCDC ventures further into creating more meaningful research projects, may the students continue to let their creativity and ingenuity thrive. Here’s to the next Research Colloquium!

CCDC Welcomes Freshmen and Transferees with Holy Spirit Mass and Orientation

LA TRINIDAD—As another school year starts, the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) freshmen and transfer students gathered on August 14 for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit and a general student orientation. The event was held at the CCDC Tupay-ya complex.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a traditional event conducted at the start of every academic year to invoke the guidance of the Lord. It was presided over by the Chaplain of CCDC’s San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, Rev. Fr. Benny P. Villapa. It was attended by almost 1,800 new students, the faculty, and the school administration. In the Eucharistic Celebration, Fr. Villapa raised a statement by Rev. Fr. Rafael T. Cruz, CICM, Bishop of Baguio, “What would Jesus do?”, reminding the entire academic community to consider this question when making decisions and interacting with others. Also, Fr. Villapa encouraged all members of the CCDC family to embody the Christian values in their daily lives.

The general orientation immediately followed the mass. Jaylo Lacaden, the Student Services Office (SSO) Director, gave the welcome remarks to begin the program. The orientation itself was facilitated by various offices from the college, with each office covering the services they offer to the students. Dina Amdos, the school registrar, oriented the students on important registrar matters, including key dates on the academic calendar. To entertain the students, the ROTC members performed a silent drill and an intermission number.

Afterwards, Dennis Butag, Dean of the College of Criminal Education, spoke to the students about the illegal use of drugs and the significant penalties associated with it. Dr. Myla Corpuz, the school dentist, then spoke about the prohibition of betel nut chewing on campus and its negative effects on the health and well-being of students. Rex Depollo and Sharry Joy Benwasen continued on the medical and dental services that the school clinic offers. Kharen Martin from the Guidance Office also discussed the importance of mental health and encouraged anyone in need of support to visit their office.

For SSO matters, Jaylo Lacaden and Jhong Bernal, the Prefect of Discipline, reminded the students of the contents of the student handbook. They specifically highlighted the proper dress code, the policy on piercings, and the chewing of betel nuts. Students were also encouraged to get involved in the numerous clubs and organizations available at the school. Lastly, the student government, headed by Tzietel Jade Sacla of the College of Teacher Education, encouraged those with strong leadership skills to consider running for office and submit their names early, as the campaign period is set to begin in the first week of September. The event successfully concluded with important closing announcements, including the schedule for the departmental orientations.

Faculty Development Seminar Empowers CCDC College of Health Education

LA TRINIDAD—With the start of classes fast approaching, faculty members at the CCDC College of Health Education (CHE) are prepared to inspire their students. This renewed sense of purpose comes after a faculty development seminar held on August 4, 2025 at the CCDC Microteaching Laboratory.

Dean Marivel D. Munoz of the CHE department shared her enthusiasm, “We’re now more ignited to teach and ready to inspire our 1,000+ CHE students in Nursing, Midwifery, and Pharmacy.”

The seminar, a collaborative effort between the CHE and the Guidance and Human Resource offices, was facilitated by Ralph and Myra Ballesteros from Elevate La Trinidad. The theme, “Bridging Differences while Re-charging our Passion for Education,” focused on promoting understanding, acceptance, and unity among educators.

This professional development was particularly timely given the growing student population in the CHE department. Faculty members recognized the need to effectively promote inclusivity while maintaining their passion for teaching, acknowledging that differences in culture, beliefs, and learning styles among students and colleagues can be valuable opportunities for growth.

The seminar successfully created a supportive environment, reminding educators of their crucial role in student success and emphasizing the importance of their own mental and emotional well-being.