CCDC Promotes Equality and Respect Through Anti-Discrimination Initiatives

By: Orsolyn S. Balao-as

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) is strengthening its commitment to a safe and inclusive campus environment by empowering its Student Services Office (SSO) and Human Resource Office (HRO) to implement key policies on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment. Guided by these policies, SSO and HRO are conducting essential training to educate students on human rights, the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), and the importance of diversity and respect in the school community.

The first training session, focused on Human Rights, was held on February 18, 2023, at Tongtongan Hall, where 140 students from the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) participated. This engaging session provided students with a solid foundation in human rights principles, encouraging them to be advocates for respect and equality both on campus and in their future careers. Through discussions and case studies, participants explored the role of human rights in creating a culture of inclusion and mutual respect.

Before each semester, SSO and HRO also lead an orientation on the Safe Spaces Act, ensuring that every student is aware of their rights to a learning environment free from harassment and discrimination. This orientation emphasizes the values of respect and dignity, providing students with tools to contribute positively to the campus community. By equipping students with knowledge on human rights and the Safe Spaces Act, CCDC reinforces its mission of fostering an academic environment where every individual feels safe, respected, and valued.

Education Without Limits: CCDC’s Fight Against Inequality

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) is deeply committed to ensuring that higher education is accessible to all, particularly to students from underrepresented and potentially underrepresented groups including ethnic minorities, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Through a range of policies and support programs, CCDC actively tracks applications and admissions from these groups to help ensure that every individual, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, has the opportunity to pursue higher education.

CCDC’s open admission policy is a foundational aspect of its commitment to equity and inclusion. As outlined in the Section 2 of its Student Handbook, the school admits all students who meet the required admission criteria and agree to abide by the institution’s policies, rules, and regulations. This open approach ensures that no student is excluded based on their ethnic background, financial status, gender, disability, or other personal characteristics. For transferee students, the college has established a fair process for evaluating and accepting transfer applications. All transfer applicants must go through an approval process involving the department dean and the registrar to ensure that their academic needs are met and that they are placed in the appropriate academic program.

CCDC is also committed to complying with Republic Act No. 9442, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, which protects the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to access education. In line with this, no student with a disability will be denied admission to any program offered by the institution. Special assistance, including priority access to admission services, is available to students with disabilities to ensure that they receive the support they need from the moment they apply. Students with disabilities are encouraged to disclose any specific learning requirements or special needs during the application process. These needs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and if CCDC is unable to provide the necessary accommodations, students and their families will be informed in a transparent and respectful manner.

Moreover, CCDC offers various financial support mechanisms to ensure that low-income students have access to higher education. These mechanisms include both internal and external scholarships that help reduce the financial burden of tuition and other educational costs. Some of the key external scholarships available to CCDC students include: Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) by CHED, Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) by CHED, Benguet Provincial Scholars (for students from Benguet), Educational Benefits from companies such as Philex Mining Corporation and Aboitiz Foundation and the DOH Pre-Scholarship Program by the Department of Health. In addition to these external opportunities, CCDC offers a range of internal scholarship programs, including those for academic excellence, sports achievements, sibling discounts, student leadership, and employee dependents. Through these various scholarships and grants, CCDC aims to reduce the financial barriers that many students face, allowing them to focus on their education rather than financial stress.

CCDC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion goes beyond just access to education. The school employs a holistic approach to education by offering various student support programs, including counseling services (Ayowan program), peer mentoring, and academic advising to ensure that every student receives the guidance and support they need throughout their college journey.

Cordillera Career Development College is dedicated to ensuring that no student is left behind regardless of their background, financial situation, or personal challenges. Through its open admission policy, extensive scholarship opportunities, and targeted support for underrepresented groups, educational inequalities are reduced to create a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning environment. By providing the necessary resources, support, and opportunities, students are encouraged to pursue their dreams and succeed in their academic and professional careers.

For more information on how to apply for scholarships, financial aid, or admissions, please visit our Admissions Page or contact our Registrar’s Office for personalized assistance.

CCDC Leads the Way in Educational Inclusion and Diversity

by Mariel Buac, Ely Vea and Erica Bistoyong

These charts illustrate the diversity and inclusivity of the institution, supporting the narrative of CCDC’s role in reducing inequalities

Ethnic Group and Religious Distribution at CCDC:

In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to educational equality, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) stands out as a leading institution promoting inclusive education in the region. Recent data analysis reveals the college’s significant role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reducing Inequalities) through its diverse student population.

Diverse Ethnic Representation

CCDC is home to a richly diverse student body, particularly in its representation of indigenous groups. The institution currently enrolls 1,595 Kankanaey and 1,164 Ibaloi students, demonstrating a profound commitment to the educational advancement of indigenous communities. This significant representation underscores CCDC’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage while also providing modern educational opportunities. Other ethnic groups, including Ilocano (145 students), Tagalog (37 students), and various other backgrounds (265 students), add to the college’s multicultural fabric, fostering a vibrant environment for learning and cultural exchange.

The diversity within CCDC not only reflects its inclusive admission policies but also encourages students from all backgrounds to embrace their identities and share their unique experiences. Through cultural events, workshops, and awareness programs, the institution celebrates ethnic heritage, enabling students to both preserve and proudly represent their traditions within an academic setting.

Religious Inclusivity Promoting Harmony and Respect

In addition to ethnic diversity, CCDC’s student body exemplifies religious inclusivity, with students from a range of faiths studying side-by-side in an environment of respect and acceptance. The college’s largest religious group is Roman Catholic, with 1,952 students, followed by other denominations, including Anglican (199 students), Born Again (149 students), and Iglesia Ni Cristo (50 students). By cultivating a space where all faiths are respected, CCDC supports a secular model that allows students to pursue their studies without the constraints of religious discrimination or exclusion.

The college further promotes interfaith understanding by organizing dialogues and activities that encourage students to learn about and respect different religious practices and beliefs. This initiative not only fosters a harmonious campus environment but also prepares students to navigate and respect a diverse world beyond the academic setting.

Broad Academic Offerings Supporting Diverse Career Paths

By offering various academic programs, CCDC ensures that students from every walk of life have access to opportunities that align with their career goals. This academic inclusivity supports social mobility, empowering graduates to make meaningful contributions to the workforce, particularly in the local region. CCDC’s approach to education not only enhances individual opportunities but also strengthens regional development by building a skilled and culturally diverse workforce.

Impact on Regional Development and Educational Equality

CCDC’s inclusive and diverse environment has far-reaching implications for regional development. By offering indigenous communities’ access to higher education, the institution plays a pivotal role in breaking down ethnic and religious barriers that have historically limited educational access. This commitment to inclusivity makes CCDC a model institution for other colleges in the Philippines and beyond, demonstrating that educational equality is not only achievable but also essential to creating a more equitable society.

Through its data-driven approach to diversity and inclusion, CCDC exemplifies the ideals of SDG 10, actively contributing to reducing inequalities in higher education. The college’s achievements underscore the importance of inclusive policies and practices in building a more cohesive, just, and equitable society, where students of all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to their communities.

The institution continues to lead by example, proving that inclusivity is a cornerstone of educational excellence. With its commitment to embracing diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, CCDC is more than an educational institution; it is a force for social change, paving the way for a more inclusive future in higher education. As the institution advances in its mission, CCDC remains a testament to the power of diversity, proving that when students are given equal opportunities to succeed, entire communities flourish.