Beyond the Classroom: CCDC Students Prove Industry-Ready at PHALGA Conference

La Trinidad, Benguet — Students of Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) demonstrated professionalism and service excellence during the 18th PHALGA Northern Luzon Geographical Conference 2026, organized by the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants Inc. (PHALGA), held on March 16–21, 2026, at the Benguet Sports Complex Gymnasium, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.

The six-day event gathered around 6,000 participants from local government units across Northern Luzon, where CCDC students played key roles in ensuring the success of the activity.

Students from the College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA), particularly in Hospitality Management and Entrepreneurship, together with the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) CP 1 interns, handled food preparation and distribution, delivering efficient and quality service, and crowd control, ensuring order and safety. The CCDC ROTC unit also showcased discipline and pride as Color Guards during the opening ceremony.

The students were assisted by the Dean of the College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA), Dean Rovelyn C. Antonio, together with the Program Coordinator of BS Hospitality Management, Ms. Shirley S. Sabiling, Faculty of BS Hospitality Management, Ms. Faye S. Aranca, and Faculty of BS Entrepreneurship, Ms. Jean T. Langan.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The activity provided meaningful hands-on experience, enhancing students’ teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Despite challenges such as managing large crowds and addressing participant concerns, the students still maintained their professionalism, patience, and strong coordination.

Words of Appreciation

PHALGA officers commended the students for their dedication and exemplary performance:

“The students displayed commendable discipline, teamwork, and professionalism throughout the conference. Their contribution greatly helped in ensuring the smooth flow of operations.”

“We appreciate the commitment and positive attitude of CCDC students. They showed readiness to serve and adapt in a high-pressure environment, which reflects the quality of training they receive.”

Strengthening Partnerships

The collaboration highlights CCDC’s commitment to quality education and industry engagement, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It also reinforces the institution’s role as a trusted partner in large-scale events.

CCDC’s participation in the PHALGA Conference 2026 stands as a testament to its mission of developing competent, service-oriented, and industry-ready graduates, paving the way for future collaborations.

Written by: Rovelyn C Antonio, Dean, College of Business Education and Administration

Photos: Rhovelyn Antonio, Faye Aranca, Shirley Sabiling

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CCDC, SMU Seal Partnership to Elevate Academic Quality and Institutional Standards

In its continuous pursuit of academic excellence and institutional development, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), through its College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA), successfully conducted a Benchmarking Activity with Saint Mary’s University in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, on March 25, 2026, culminating in the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that establishes a strategic partnership focusing on strengthening institutional quality assurance, academic development, and collaborative mentoring initiatives.

The CCDC benchmarking delegation was led by Dean Rovelyn C. Antonio, Dean of the College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA), together with Dr. Marthyna Atinan, Planning and Development Officer, Ms. Jacqueline Acod, Quality Assurance Officer, Dr. Ayson D. Depayso, Program Coordinator for Tourism Management, and Ms. Shirley S. Sabiling, Program Coordinator for Hospitality Management. They were joined by the faculty members of the college, Ms. Faye S. Aranca, Ms. Jean T. Langan, Ms. Meriam Felix-Gapad, Ms. Venus E. Labbutan, and Hospitality Management student, Mr. Clint-Lee Kigues. 

The team was warmly welcomed by Saint Mary’s University (SMU) community, led by Rev. Fr. Philip A. Yu Jr, CICM, Vice President for Mission and Identity, Dr. Moises Alexander T. Asuncion, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. John G. Tayaban, Vice President for Administration, and Dr. Regina D. Ramel, Dean of the School of Accountancy and Business, who expertly led the discourse on academic excellence and institutional standards.

The benchmarking visit aimed to provide CCDC administrators and academic leaders with the opportunity to learn from SMU’s established systems and best practices in program management, quality assurance, community engagement, learning resources, research development, and student services. Through structured discussions and institutional presentations, both institutions exchanged insights on curriculum enhancement, accreditation preparedness, and the implementation of quality standards aligned with national and international frameworks.

Central to the activity was the formalization of a quality assurance partnership between the two institutions. This partnership focuses on collaborative efforts such as mentoring to enhance internal quality assurance systems and governance, providing technical assistance for institutional and program-level quality assurance mechanisms, and facilitating the development of curriculum and instructional systems. Additionally, it includes mentoring and benchmarking sessions for CCDC’s administrators, faculty, and staff, research collaborations, and regular consultations to monitor progress and assess outcomes. The agreement aims to improve internal quality assurance systems in anticipation of accreditation, program evaluation, and institutional recognition.

This collaboration supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4: Quality Education, focusing on benchmarking in areas such as teaching and learning, research, learning resources, and student services. It also supports SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, showing that openness to other institutions bridges gaps in reaching academic excellence.

The benchmarking activity highlighted the commitment of both institutions to uphold academic integrity, enhance governance, and align educational programs with national and global standards. Through this partnership, CCDC aims to improve its academic offerings, ensuring students receive relevant and competitive outcomes-based education. They expressed support for ongoing collaboration, viewing it as a strategic move toward institutional growth and academic excellence. The initiative underscores the significance of inter-institutional cooperation in fostering a culture of quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in higher education.

Through this formal benchmarking and quality assurance partnership, CCDC continues to strengthen its commitment to delivering high-quality education and to developing graduates who are competent, globally competitive, and responsive to the demands of a dynamic academic and professional environment.

Written by: Rovelyn C Antonio, Dean, College of Business Education and Administration

Pictures: SMU PIO

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Project Bumadang: Community Engagement Activity

CAYAPES, KAPANGAN, BENGUET — The Senior High School Department successfully conducted Project Bumadang on March 13, 2026, bringing students to the community for a hands-on outreach initiative that emphasized service, leadership, and social responsibility.

The activity, held as part of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand, served as the culminating requirement for the subjects Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship. It aimed to strengthen students’ sense of shared identity while encouraging active participation in community development.

Through direct involvement, students applied concepts from the applied social sciences in real-world settings, reinforcing their academic learning through practical experience. The initiative also strengthened the partnership between CCDC and its adopted community in Cayapes, Kapangan.

Participants carried out various service-oriented tasks, including environmental clean-up drives, weddings, and the revitalization of the school library. These efforts contributed to improving community spaces while promoting youth engagement and civic responsibility.

Project Bumadang underscored the importance of experiential learning, showing that students can play an active role in building stronger, more connected communities beyond the classroom.

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Arts Month Celebration

The Arts Month Celebration, held on March 6, 2026, at Tupayya Complex, carried the theme “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Gitling.” The theme highlights the arts as the harvest of Filipino creativity, shaped by truth and courage. The word ani symbolizes the fruits of artistic labor—works born from history, struggle, and collective aspirations.

Throughout Philippine history, art has served as a powerful medium for revealing truth and inspiring bravery. From the reformist writings of Jose Rizal to the revolutionary spirit of Andres Bonifacio, creative expression has awakened national consciousness and challenged injustice. Today, Filipino artists continue to uphold this legacy by amplifying authentic stories and confronting social realities.

Guided by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Arts Month 2026 celebrates the courage to create, speak the truth, and shape a more aware and empowered nation through the arts.

The Arts Month Celebration successfully provided students with opportunities to showcase their creativity, talents, and artistic skills through various competitions, including Fruit Carving, Coffee Painting, Duet Competition, and Short Film Making.

Overall, the celebration was both meaningful and successful, serving as a dynamic platform for students to develop their artistic abilities while strengthening their appreciation for both contemporary and traditional art forms. The activity not only celebrated creativity but also contributed to the holistic development of learners by enhancing their critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness.

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Rooted in Service, Growing in Unity: The Panbadangan Series Milestones

CCDC continues to uphold its commitment to community engagement in Banayakeo, Poblacion, Benguet, through two meaningful extension milestones.

On November 21, 2025, CCDC successfully conducted the Panbadangan Series Community Outreach, bringing together various colleges in a unified effort to empower and uplift the adopted community. The College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA) conducted a poultry livelihood monitoring program to ensure the sustainability of previously introduced initiatives. The College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), through Project Safeguard, facilitated self-defense workshops in arnis and wushu, equipping learners with practical safety skills.

The College of Health Education (CHE) energized the day with engaging health-promoting activities, such as “Soda Monster vs. Water Warrior” and “Go, Glo & Grow Funday,” which encouraged healthy lifestyle choices among pupils. The College of Social Work (CSW) implemented the “Smart Kids: Safe Screen on Cyberbullying” program, raising awareness on responsible digital citizenship. Meanwhile, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) conducted interactive reading and numeracy engagement sessions to strengthen foundational academic skills.

In addition, the Scholars and Library Team organized the school library and conducted a faculty orientation on maximizing library resources. The afternoon continued with school grounds weeding, ongoing lectures, and martial arts training sessions. The outreach concluded with an awarding ceremony and the distribution of educational and sports materials, including badminton and table tennis equipment, generously provided through CCJE.

On February 13, 2026, the Community Extension and Services team returned to conduct an impact assessment data gathering activity. Community members shared positive feedback, expressing appreciation for the relevance of the programs and their hope for a continuous and long-term partnership. The encouraging responses affirmed that the Panbadangam Series is not merely a one-day outreach initiative, but a sustained collaboration grounded in empowerment, education, and shared growth.

Together, we move forward—serving, listening, and building stronger communities.

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Criminology Practicum 2 Pre-Deployment

The Criminology Practicum 2 (CP2) Pre-Deployment Program was successfully conducted on February 4 and 5 at Iyaman Hall, preparing interns for their upcoming field assignments under the Tri-Bureaus.

The two-day activity aimed to strengthen the interns’ foundational knowledge in law enforcement, risk management, and rehabilitation. It served as a vital step in bridging academic learning and real-world practice, ensuring that students are fully prepared for the responsibilities they will undertake during their internship.

The orientation focused on clarifying the roles and duties of CP2 interns, helping them understand professional expectations in their respective host agencies. Discussions highlighted the importance of applying criminological theories in practical settings, developing critical thinking skills, and cultivating a strong work ethic.

Representatives from the Tri-Bureaus—the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP)—oriented the interns on their respective rules and regulations. These included proper wearing of uniforms, appropriate grooming standards, and the behavioral expectations required of interns while on duty.

The BJMP emphasized the submission of weekly accomplishment reports and a post-On-the-Job Training (OJT) report to be prepared by the team leader. Drug testing was also identified as a mandatory requirement. Meanwhile, both the BFP and PNP required the submission of medical certificates prior to deployment.

Beyond compliance requirements, the program underscored the value of self-discipline, punctuality, respect, and professional courtesy. Interns were reminded that adherence to rules and regulations reflects not only on themselves but also on the institution they represent.

Through this pre-deployment program, CP2 interns are now better equipped to transition smoothly from academic life to professional practice, ready to serve with integrity, responsibility, and competence.

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CCDC Celebrates Love Month with “My Body, My Heart, My Boundaries” Seminar

Love Month at CCDC became more meaningful as the school conducted the seminar “My Body, My Heart, My Boundaries” on February 11, 2026, at the SHS Hall for Grade 4, 5, and 6 pupils. The activity aimed to equip students with essential knowledge about personal space, body safety, and healthy boundaries in a way that was engaging, age-appropriate, and empowering.

The program opened with the National Anthem and an Opening Prayer, creating a respectful and reflective atmosphere. Sir Serafin Padioan, Program Coordinator, formally welcomed the participants with inspiring words that reminded students of their worth and the importance of respecting themselves and others. His message emphasized responsibility, self-respect, and strong values as the foundations for personal growth.

The session began with an energizing icebreaker and an audio-visual presentation that introduced the theme. The highlight of the seminar was the insightful talk delivered by Ma’am Chita Habon, the school’s Guidance Counselor. Through a child-friendly and meaningful discussion, she explained the importance of protecting personal spaces and recognizing safe and unsafe touch. Using the traffic light concept, she clearly illustrated that green means safe, yellow signals caution or confusion, and red indicates unsafe touch that must be reported immediately. Students were encouraged to trust their instincts, confidently say “no,” and seek help from trusted adults.

To reinforce the lesson, Ma’am Habon, together with the Guidance advocates, facilitated an interactive group activity where pupils marked a prepared drawing of a person to identify safe, confusing, and unsafe areas of touch. The activity fostered teamwork, participation, and deeper understanding. Each group then presented their outputs, confidently explaining their insights and learning from one another.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks, prayer, and student feedback. More than just a Love Month activity, the event served as a powerful reminder that every child has the right to feel safe and respected. Through initiatives like this, CCDC continues to champion holistic formation by nurturing responsible, self-aware, and values-driven learners who are grounded in respect, integrity, and a care for others.

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CCDC Gameng Di Cordillera Joins Panagbenga 2026 Launching

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) Performing Arts Guild, Gameng Di Cordillera, proudly participated in the official launch of Panagbenga Festival 2026, organized by the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc., on February 1.

The Panagbenga Festival office recently launched a lineup of exciting activities for the city’s most anticipated annual celebration. Among these is “Rhythm of the Highlands: A Showcase of Culture and Dance,” a cultural competition that highlights the diverse traditions and dances of the Cordilleran region.

The launching parade began at 8:00 a.m., during which Gameng Di Cordillera delivered an impressive cultural performance, marking their initial participation. After successfully passing the screening, the group officially qualified to compete in the Cultural Dance Competition scheduled on February 15 at the Melvin Jones Grandstand.

The participation of Gameng Di Cordillera, one of CCDC’s performing arts guilds, in the Panagbenga Festival 2026 Cultural Dance Competition reflects the institution’s commitment to promoting culture, creativity, and holistic student development. Through this involvement, the group is given the opportunity to represent the school, deepen their cultural appreciation, and strengthen their identity as young Cordillerans.

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CCDC Signs MOU with the Local Government Unit of Buguias, Benguet

Cordillera Career Development College–College of Law and the Local Government Unit of Buguias formally entered into a partnership through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding held at the Municipal Social Hall in Abatan, Buguias, Benguet. This event represents the first official MOU between CCDC–College of Law and LGU Buguias specifically in support of the College’s Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP), marking an important step toward expanding community-based legal services in the municipality.

The signing was attended by municipal officials, department heads, and Councilor Jerahmeel Lasegan. The agreement was signed under the leadership of Mayor Julius Amos, Vice Mayor Ronald Kimakim, Atty. Alexis Agmata, Dean of CCDC–College of Law, and Atty. Czarinah Rose Gumpic, the CCDC Legal Officer and Director of Clinical Legal Education Program.

This initial collaboration reflects the mutual goal of making legal assistance more accessible to residents of Buguias. As part of the partnership, CCDC–College of Law will conduct legal assistance activities on January 30 in coordination with the ongoing program of the PNP–Highway Patrol Group and the Land Transportation Office in Buguias.

Through its CLEP initiatives and the services of its Legal Aid Clinic based at the CCDC Campus, the College continues to promote practical legal training while delivering meaningful support to communities—now further strengthened by this first formal agreement with LGU Buguias.

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𝖲𝖲𝖫𝖦 𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖽𝗎𝖼𝗍𝗌 𝖦𝖠𝖡𝖠𝖸 𝖢𝖺𝗆𝗉 𝗍𝗈 𝖲𝗁𝖺𝗉𝖾 𝖵𝖺𝗅𝗎𝖾𝗌-𝖢𝖾𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝖲𝗍𝗎𝖽𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝖫𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌

The Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) of the Senior High School Department of Cordillera Career Development College successfully conducted the GABAY Camp, a leadership and team-building program, on January 28, 2026, at Admirals Park, Longlong, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet.

The activity was attended by 32 participants composed of SSLG officers and selected Senior High School student leaders, together with their adviser, Ms. Sheryl Garcia, and guest speaker Sir Dennis Guiniguin. The camp aimed to develop both current and future student leaders by strengthening leadership competencies, encouraging collaboration, and instilling core values essential to effective leadership.

During the program, Sir Dennis Guiniguin shared meaningful insights on leadership and character formation. He emphasized the importance of honesty, compassion, respect, and integrity, highlighting that effective leadership is demonstrated through being a positive influence and a role model to others. Ms. Sheryl Garcia also guided the participants in understanding that leadership is grounded in service and accountability.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in various activities designed to enhance teamwork, self-awareness, and leadership responsibility. These activities provided opportunities for students from different classes, strands, and organizations to build stronger connections while reflecting on their roles as student leaders within the school community.

The GABAY Camp concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the participants, as they expressed their commitment to applying the lessons learned in their respective roles. Through this initiative, the SSLG reaffirmed its dedication to developing student leaders who are not only competent, but also values-oriented and socially responsible.

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