CCDC Champions Media and Information Literacy in the Age of AI Aligning with the 2025 Global Theme: “Minds Over AI — MIL in Digital Spaces”

In observance of Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week (October 24–31), the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), through the College of Teacher Education(CTE), proudly launched a week-long celebration anchored on UNESCO’s 2025 global theme, “Minds Over AI — MIL in Digital Spaces.” The initiative invited students, educators, and the wider academic community to strengthen their media and information literacy, sharpen critical thinking, and embrace ethical digital practices.

The celebration opened on October 24 with a cascade session titled “Mastering Literacy, AI, and Critical Thought,” facilitated by Ms. Dina Amdos, CTE Faculty and U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Office (RELO) Grantee. Ms. Amdos shared insights on the effective use of AI tools for evidence-based teaching strategies, lesson design, administrative efficiency, digital citizenship, and online safety. Her session deepened participants’ understanding of both the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence in education, media, and daily communication.

Throughout the week, various departments—from basic education to college—engaged in diverse and interactive activities. Highlights included:

• Media Sense Central, a booth featuring interactive games and digital literacy challenges such as identifying media types, spotting fake news, and addressing online ethics scenarios.
• A Fact-Check Campaign on health and climate misinformation, empowering students to detect misleading claims and document their verification process.
• An Infographic Contest, encouraging students to produce advocacy pieces and reflective reports promoting digital responsibility.
• A Dynamic Quiz Bee, testing knowledge on AI-generated content, digital ethics, and misinformation detection.
• An AI Debate Challenge, providing a platform for persuasive discourse on the role of human judgment in an AI-driven world.

These activities were designed to strengthen practical competencies—verifying sources, identifying AI-generated content, and reflecting on digital ethics—anchored on the MIL framework of Access, Evaluation, Creation, and Action. The events were facilitated by the CTE students, the Mentor’s Society, and the CTE faculty members headed by Dr. Juvy Baso, CTE Dean.

Reinforcing CCDC’s dedication to holistic and values-based education, the initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promoting inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Encouraging responsible innovation and digital literacy.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Fostering transparency and ethical digital engagement.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening collaboration among educators, students, and global networks.

The celebration concluded with a Recognition Ceremony and a Pledge to Responsible Digital Citizenship, reaffirming CCDC’s vision of nurturing empowered learners who navigate digital spaces with awareness, creativity, and integrity. Through this meaningful observance, CCDC continues to champion media and information literacy as a cornerstone of quality education, preparing students not only for academic success but for thoughtful, ethical participation in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Building Human Rights Advocates: CCDC Participates in Barangay Human Rights Orientation

The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) continues to uphold its commitment to community service and human rights education as it participated in the Orientation of Barangay Human Rights Action Team (BHRAcT) held on October 22 – 24, 2025 at Strawberry Valley Hotel and Restaurant, Swamp, Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Rosaria M. Pes-oyen, Principal of CCDC’s Basic Education Department, served as on of the resource speakers during the three-day orientation. She delivered a presentation on the “Roles and Responsibilities of the Barangay Human Rights Action Team,” emphasizing the crucial function of BHRAcT members as frontline defenders of human rights in their respective communities.

Mrs. Pes-oyen highlighted that BHRAcT members play a key role in receiving and referring complaints of human rights violations, assisting victims in accessing justice, and promoting awareness and education on human rights issues. She also encouraged stronger collaboration among local units, schools, and civic organizations to build communities grounded in respect, equality, and justice.

The orientation aimed to enhance the participants’ capacity to address human rights concerns at the grassroots level and to empower barangay leaders to serves as advocates for equality, justice, and peace. The event also provided a platform for shared learning partnership between the public and private sectors in advancing community-based human rights initiatives.

CCDC’s involvement in the activity reflects its enduring commitment to community development, social responsibility, and the promotion of human rights education. This advocacy supports several United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

1. SDG 4 – Quality Education, by promoting learning that fosters for human rights and active citizenship;
2. SDG 16 – Peace, Jusitce, and Strong Institutions, by strengthening local mechanisms for justice and human rights protection; and
3. SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals, by building collaborative networks between educational institutions and community stakeholders.

Through these initiatives, CCDC continues to uphold its mission of education with a purpose – empowering individuals and communities to create a society grounded in dignity, equality, and respect for all.

Fostering Inquiry, Innovation & Impact: CCDC Reinforces Its Mission with 2nd Research Colloquium

In pursuit of its mission to cultivate socially responsive, research-oriented graduates committed to both local and global transformation, Cordillera Career Development College held its 2nd Research Colloquium on October 10, 2025, at Iyaman Hall. Anchored on the theme “Grassroots to Global: Excellence Across Disciplines,” the event powerfully expressed the institution’s dedication to fostering authentic inquiry, innovation, and community-rooted researches.

The colloquium offered a vibrant platform for students to actualize the mission’s call: to integrate critical scholarship with social relevance. Across three presentation sessions, twelve student groups presented their completed research studies, followed by engaging question-and-answer exchanges that invited deeper reflection, constructive challenge, and intellectual growth.

Their research topics spanned numerous domains—mental health support, pedagogical strategies, food science, social work pathways, caregiving experiences, substance use, residential safety, and corporate-community relations. The full list of papers included:

1. A Descriptive Analysis of the Utilization of Psychosocial Support and Its Perceived Effectiveness on the Mental Health of 4th-Year College Students of CCDC
2. Coping Mechanism of Nursing Students in Their Graveyard Shift in Related Learning Experience (RLE)
3. Level of Impact of Different Factors on the Academic Performance of Nursing Students
4. Effectiveness of Digital Gamification Strategy in Teaching Mathematics
5. Acceptability and Physico-Chemical Properties of Watercress-Flavored Puto
6. Exploring the Role of Quipper in Facilitating Blended Learning
7. Exploring the Lived Experience of Single Fathers in Raising their Children
8. Journey Towards Registered Social Worker: Understanding Challenges by Social Work Practitioners
9. Lived Experience of Informal Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
10. Exploring Alcohol Consumption Among Third Year CCDC Criminology Students: Patterns, Motives, and Its Negative Impacts
11. Assessing Safety and Security Measures in Apartments and Boarding Houses of CCDC
12. Grievances Management of Mining Corporation in Barangay Itogon, Benguet

The evaluative panel guiding the event comprised distinguished external scholars: Michael Sebullen, CRS, PhD (Research Director, Baguio Central University), Jessica Balag-ey, MAEd (Research Development and Extension Director, Easter College), and Judelyn Alones, MA ESL (Instructor, Benguet State University). They offered insightful commentary, evaluating alignment to community needs, methodological rigor, presentation clarity, and potential impact. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the panel by Atty. Annabelle B. Gondales (Vice President for Administration) and Sherry Junette M. Tagle, PhD (President).

In recognition of exemplary inquiry and practice, the paper “Grievances Management of Mining Corporation in Barangay Itogon, Benguet” from the College of Criminal Justice Education was awarded Best Paper, and its presenters received the distinction of Best Presenter—honoring the study’s clarity, relevance, and methodological depth. All presenting students were likewise recognized and certificates were conferred.

By weaving mission-driven research, external partnerships, and student development into this single event, CCDC reaffirmed its vision: turning inquiry into action, elevating community voices, and cultivating graduates who make meaningful social contributions. Aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the colloquium embodied the institution’s intent to anchor student scholarship in both local insight and global relevance.

Looking forward, CCDC plans to extend the reach of future colloquia, deepen partnerships with other institutions, widen the diversity of research foci, and more fully integrate mission, scholarship, and community engagement in every student’s experience.

Forging Stronger Academic Ties: BSU-CTE and CCDC Strengthen Partnership Through Collaborative Agreement

The Benguet State University – College of Teacher Education (BSU-CTE) and the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) – Graduate School and College of Teacher Education have solidified an academic alliance aimed at enhancing instruction, research, and extension programs. This partnership was formally established through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 16, 2025, highlighting both institutions shared dedication to elevating the quality of education in the Cordillera region through meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Through this agreement, the two institutions commit to pursuing joint research projects, scholarly collaborations, and coordinated outreach efforts. These initiatives may include co-authored studies, community-based engagements, and the introduction of innovative teaching strategies—all intended to respond to local educational needs and support sustainable regional development.

This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of excellence in teacher education. By aligning their visions and combining their strengths, BSU-CTE and CCDC seek to advance the standards of teaching, scholarship, and public service across and beyond the Cordillera Administrative Region.

This partnership directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education through joint initiatives. Additionally, it contributes to Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering multi-institutional cooperation to mobilize knowledge, expertise, and resources—strengthening regional capacity to meet educational and community development challenges As implementation begins, both institutions aspire to serve as a model for inter-institutional cooperation—demonstrating how higher education institutions can work collectively to address contemporary educational challenges while remaining deeply rooted in service, academic integrity, and the global agenda for sustainable development.

Together for Literacy

It’s official! The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) proudly launched once again its partnership with Puguis Elementary School through the renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the conduct of the initial planning for the continuation of Project ALISTO (Alleviating Learners Interest in Reading by Strengthening Techniques to Achieve Desired Outcomes). During the event, PES Principal, Dr. Regina D. Sarmiento expressed her heartfelt gratitude to CCDC for its continuous support and unwavering dedication to the literacy development of PES learners. She highlighted the positive impact of the reading tutorials conducted by CCDC’s pre-service teachers, which have greatly helped improve students’ reading skills. In response, Dr. Sherry Junette M. Tagle expressed her appreciation to Puguis Elementary School for opening its doors to the College of Teacher Education (CTE) students, emphasizing that PES provides a valuable avenue for future educators to learn beyond the four walls of the classroom. The renewed partnership stands as a testament to both institutions shared commitment to quality education (SDG 4) and partnership for goals (SDG 17).

Puguis Elementary School Representatives:

BERNADETTE M. ISONG – Project ALISTO Proponent

MARLENE O. NABOYE – Project ALISTO Proponent

CORAZON A. SALABAT – Project ALISTO Proponent

NEILYN F. PAGEDPED – Project ALISTO Proponent

CCDC Representatives:

DR. JUVY O. BASO – Dean, CTE

DR. ARLENE L. PALASICO – BSED English Program Coordinator & Research Coordinator

MARFRELYN H. ANGYATAO – BTLED Program Coordinator

LAURENCE L. ABLAZA – BSED Social Science Program Coordinator

JEFF ABANAG – BSED Math Program Coordinator

BLISS T. BACACAO – CTE Extension Coordinator

SHARON I. LICTAO – Adviser, Mentor’s Society

ROSARIA M. PES-OYEN – Community Extension and Services Coordinator

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.

CCDC Inks Partnership with Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Zuellig Family Foundation Philippines through a Ceremonial Signing conducted on ZFF’s 15^th year anniversary at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila on July 26, 2023. 

 ZFF and CCDC, through its President Dr. Sherry Junette Tagle agreed to work together within the framework of their respective mandates, on engaging in learning exchanges, collaborating on improving institutional capacity for learning and development on Bridging Leadership and its application on local leadership and governance for nutrition, adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, and local health systems development, in common areas of operations.

As an academic partner, CCDC commits, among others, to the implementation of learning and development programs (training, coaching, mentoring and practicum) specific on Bridging Leadership and its application in leadership and governance of health systems towards improvement of health outcomes for Filipinos.

Present during the ceremonial signing are members of the Zuellig Family Foundation led by its Chairman and President Ernesto D. Garilao and Executive Director Austere A. Panadero; representatives from other academic partners; and CCDC representatives: Vice President for Administration Atty. Annabelle B.  Gondales and Atty. Czarinah Rose C.  Gumpic.

More photos of the event at the Cordillera College (CCDC) Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=668081228686348&id=100064534308652&rdid=r4SixYFSr4ruIsVp

CCDC joins the development of National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA)

As an active member  of  the  Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC),  CCDC joins the workshop  for  the development  of the  National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) on June  19, 2023 at Orchard Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City.

The NUHRA is an advocacy document which lists the Philippines’ priorities for the next six years to guide research activity, generate research support, and promote the translation of research into practice.

ROTC extends help in Brigada Eskwela

The Cordillera Career Development College ROTC Unit under the supervision of Cpl. Javier Tan from 1401st CDC joined the Brigada Eskwela at Benguet National High School-Main in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet on September 16, 2023.

The effort to take part in the activity is part of their program to encourage and promote the spirit of volunteerism among students and members of the academic community by rendering volunteer services in social, economic and humanitarian development undertakings in the community.

More photos of the activity at the CCDC ROTC Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=273348215540132&id=100085948675782&rdid=VotwRkV8UdSBl4wm

THE Impact ranks CCDC

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET – On its first participatory year, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) made it to 1001-1500 ranking bracket in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings released on June 12, 2024.

The ranking was based on CCDC’s participation in five (5) of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) categories. THE Impact Rankings measure the contributions of higher education institutions to the United Nations’ SDGs.

CCDC’s contributions to the achievement of SDG 1 or ‘No Poverty’ was ranked 301-400 while its participation in SDG 3 or ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’ is ranked 1000+.

The school’s efforts geared towards ‘Gender Equality’ or SDG 5 was ranked 601-800, and the activities towards SDG 16 or ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’ is ranked 401-600.

CCDC’s ‘Partnership for Goals,’ which is SDG 17, was ranked 1001-1500.

“As a college being ranked in the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, this is an affirmation of our collective efforts as an institution as well as an inspiration that educational institutions play a pivotal role in making meaningful transformations in society,” said school president Sherry Junette Tagle.

In the THE 2024 rankings, 2,152 universities from 125 regions across the globe were evaluated and ranked. Australia-based Western Sydney University was ranked first, retaining the ranking since 2022.

“CCDC harmonizes its educational efforts to help achieve the sustainable development goals believing that we share one earth and no effort is too small to be significant,” said Tagle.*