RHYTHMS AND MOTIONS UNITED ON ONE STAGE

The culminating activity for PATHFit 3, titled “Dance Fusion: Combining Different Dance Genres into One Cohesive Performance,” was successfully held on December 9, 2025. The activity was facilitated by the PATHFit 3 faculty of Cordillera Career Development College. This event served as the highlight of the course, showcasing the creativity, discipline, and collaborative efforts of all PATHFit 3 students. Beyond artistic expression, the activity strongly supported Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as it emphasized physical fitness, mental wellness, and active lifestyles through purposeful movement. Months of preparation, practice, and refinement culminated in a performance where students demonstrated not only technical competence but also a deeper appreciation of movement as a vital component of holistic health.

During the program, students presented dance pieces that blended various genres, including ethnic, folk, contemporary, modern, and hip-hop. These performances contributed to SDG 4: Quality Education by providing experiential learning opportunities that allowed students to apply theoretical concepts in choreography, rhythm, and coordination to a real-world performance setting. Each group was challenged to seamlessly merge contrasting dance styles into a unified routine, reinforcing creativity, critical thinking, and cultural understanding as essential learning outcomes of the PATHFit 3 course.

The inclusion of ethnic and folk-dance elements further aligned the activity with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it promoted cultural preservation and appreciation of heritage through artistic expression. By highlighting diverse dance traditions, the program fostered respect for cultural identity and encouraged students to value community traditions as part of sustainable social development.

Beyond performance quality, the event emphasized teamwork, inclusivity, and artistic interpretation. Students collaborated in conceptualizing themes, designing transitions, and refining choreography. The activity also supported SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing an inclusive space where students of all genders, abilities, and backgrounds participated equally, expressed themselves freely, and contributed meaningfully to group performances.

Overall, Dance Fusion was a memorable and enriching culminating activity that celebrated both achievement and growth. It provided PATHFit 3 students with an avenue to apply their learning in a supportive and inclusive performance environment while fostering camaraderie and appreciation for diverse dance forms. The success of the event reflected the students’ dedication and the course’s commitment to holistic physical education, demonstrating how creativity, discipline, and collaboration can advance multiple Sustainable Development Goals within an academic setting.

By: Marie Bethel Guzman, PE Instructor

Leave a Comment

CCDC Joins the 2025 PHILED Conference: Changing the Narrative of Philippine Education by Making Reforms Work

CCDC proudly highlights its active participation in the 2025 PHILED Conference, held on December 3–4, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. With the theme “Changing the Narrative of Philippine Education by Making Reforms Work,” this national gathering convened educators, policymakers, and school leaders committed to driving meaningful and forward-looking reforms across the Philippine education landscape.

Representing the institution were Melvin B. Ngayaan, Serafin A. Padio-an, Jaypee D. Camolo, Beverly M. Milo and Rosaria M. Pes-oyen, who actively participated in the plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and collaborative workshops. Their engagement demonstrated our school’s commitment to educational innovation and continuous improvement.

Across two days, the conference featured compelling sessions that explored both the current state and the future direction of Philippine education. Key presentations included:

• The State of Philippine Education: Reforms and Opportunities
  Delivered by Hon. Juan Edgardo M. Angara, this session presented a comprehensive overview of the country’s education system—examining its present challenges, ongoing reforms, and emerging opportunities to strengthen learning delivery, school governance, and policy implementation.

• Education Policy and Futures Thinking: Emerging Trends and Opportunities for the Philippine Education
  Presented by Dr. Adrian Kuah, this session emphasized the importance of futures thinking in crafting education policies. Participants were introduced to global trends, strategic foresight tools, and innovative policy directions aimed at building a future-ready Philippine education system.

These discussions provided the delegates with valuable insights that will help the institution align with evolving national policies, anticipate educational shifts, and implement reforms that deliver long-term, positive impact on student learning.

Further, CCDC’s participation in the PHILED Conference directly supports SDG 4: Quality Education, which promotes equitable, inclusive, and high-quality learning for all. By joining national conversations on reforms and future policy directions, CCDC reaffirms its dedication to educational excellence and its commitment to aligning institutional initiatives with both national priorities and global development goals.

Leave a Comment

Basic Education Elementary Department Strengthens Advocacy and Awareness Through Infographics, Poster Making, and NutriQuiz Activities

In the Month of November, the CCDC Basic Education Department recently carried out a series of advocacy-driven activities aimed at promoting awareness, creativity, and responsible decision-making among learners. These initiatives included the Infographics Contest, Poster Making Contests, and the NutriQuiz, each designed to enhance students’ understanding of important social and health issues.

The Infographics Contest, held under the theme “Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC),” invited students to convert factual information on drug prevention into concise, visually compelling presentations. Representatives Jett Andrie L. Salbino and Saphira Klea Hailee B. Bolas a grade 3 students produced entries that demonstrated strong digital literacy and an ability to communicate advocacy messages effectively. This activity was organized by the La Trinidad Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD), underscoring the municipal government’s support for youth-focused prevention programs.

Two separate Poster Making Contests were also held. The first organized by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, centered on the theme “OSAEC–CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban,” highlighting the importance of protecting children from online abuse and exploitation. Representing this category was a grade 5 student, Leema Shanum A. Manis, whose artwork emphasized child rights and digital safety. The activity also featured a recital presentation by Faith D. Payang a grade 5 student, who delivered a meaningful interpretation aligned with the same advocacy.

A second poster-making entry, organized by the La Trinidad Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC), focused on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRMC), showcased the creativity and awareness of Princess W. Bandao a grade 6 student, who visually expressed the importance of preparedness and community resilience.

To further reinforce Health education, the La Trinidad Municipal Health Office held the annual NutriQuiz, an interactive competition designed to assess students’ knowledge of nutrition, healthy eating habits, and overall wellness. This year’s participants are grade 6 students included Princess W. Bandao and Alyshialyhn Jaira Cadangen, who both demonstrated commendable enthusiasm and understanding of the subject matter.

These activities reflect the Basic Education Elementary Department’s holistic approach to student development: nurturing learners who are academically capable, socially aware, and health-literate. The department extends its appreciation to the students, teachers, parents, and partner offices whose contributions ensured the success of these initiatives. In particular, the collaboration with the La Trinidad MSWD, DRRMC, and the Municipal Health Office highlights the value of coordinated community efforts in advancing child protection, public health, and disaster preparedness education.

The department remains committed to sustaining and expanding such advocacy-driven programs that empower young people to become informed, responsible, and resilient members of their communities.

Leave a Comment

ʙᴇɴᴄʜᴍᴀʀᴋɪɴɢ ᴠɪꜱɪᴛ ꜱᴛʀᴇɴɢᴛʜᴇɴꜱ ᴍᴜᴛᴜᴀʟ ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴄᴄᴅᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴘᴜ ᴏꜰ ɪʟᴏɪʟᴏ ᴄɪᴛʏ

The Social Work Department of the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) conducted a formal benchmarking visit on November 29, 2025, at Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City. This activity was held a day after the 51st NASWEI Biennial Convention and the JSWAP National Leaders’ Assembly/Conference, which the faculty and students respectively attended. Beyond gathering information, the benchmarking served as a collaborative exchange that enabled both institutions to share best practices, institutional strengths, and innovations in social work education.

The CCDC delegation was composed of Dean Melody Calpase-Ducat, Kimberlyn M. Valdez, and Aelline G. Carame, along with student representatives, Hannah Gweneth Busay and Camile Ventura. They were warmly received by CPU Social Work Department members led by Department Chairperson Kareen Lozada and faculty member Ms. Ella Contreras, who facilitated the discussions and campus tour.

CPU, a respected institution with 120 years of educational history, presented an overview of its long-standing academic excellence and its robust quality assurance mechanisms. Of particular significance is CPU’s PAASCU Level III accreditation for several of its programs, including the Social Work program—an affirmation of its sustained commitment to high academic standards, institutional effectiveness, and continuous quality improvement.

During the benchmarking dialogue, CPU shared key institutional practices involving curriculum implementation, research advancement, field instruction supervision, student formation, and community engagement. The team also emphasized their organizational culture, support structures, and well-established partnerships with agencies across various sectors, further highlighting the strengths of their Social Work program.

In reciprocation, the CCDC Social Work faculty presented several good practices and ongoing initiatives within the department. These included academic enrichment activities, student-led programs, community-based engagements, and faculty development efforts. The CCDC delegation also shared updates on the College’s growing involvement in international recognitions and ranking frameworks, such as WURI (World’s Universities with Real Impact), UI GreenMetric, and other global assessments that underscore innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. This exchange fostered insightful conversations on how international benchmarks can inform and elevate local educational standards and institutional direction.

The visit extended beyond formal discussions, as CPU representatives graciously toured the CCDC group around notable areas of the campus. This enabled the visitors to appreciate CPU’s learning environment, historical landmarks, and institutional culture—further enriching the overall benchmarking experience.

In summary, the activity underscored the value of reciprocal learning and inter-institutional collaboration. Both CCDC and CPU benefited from shared insights, reflective discussions, and the exchange of innovative practices that help strengthen the quality of social work education in the Philippines. The November 29 benchmarking visit stands as a meaningful milestone for the CCDC Social Work Department, offering guidance for future improvements in curriculum development, accreditation efforts, research advancement, and student development. Moreover, it opened pathways for potential long-term partnership and academic cooperation between the two institutions.By: Kimberlyn M. Valdez
Photos from: Ms. Kareen Lozada (CPU SW Department Chairperson)

Leave a Comment

Bridging Hope: RRCY-CAR and CCDC-CTE Forge Partnership to Empower Literacy for Children in Conflict with the Law

“Education is non-negotiable. Let us not deny them their basic right. If we are able to transform even one child through education, then that would already be a great achievement.”

These powerful words from Rojhelea An Marie Claur, Center Head of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY–CAR), echo the global call of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, emphasizing that inclusive and equitable learning opportunities must extend to all—especially to children in conflict with the law who are among the most vulnerable.

With this vision, RRCY–CAR partnered with the College of Teacher Education (CTE) of the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) to uplift academic literacy and enhance the learning confidence of the youth under its care. This initiative also strongly supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, as it bridges learning gaps and ensures that marginalized learners are not left behind.

On December 10, 2025, an orientation was conducted by Jaypee M. Nuñez, Center Nurse of RRCY–CAR. Present during the activity were Dr. Juvy O. Baso, Dean of CTE; Dr. Arlene A. Palasico, Program Coordinator for BSED English and General Education Language; Jeff J. Abanag, Program Coordinator for BSED Mathematics and General Education Math; Marfrelyn Angyatao, Program Coordinator for BTLED and General Education TLE; Laurence L. Ablaza, Program Coordinator for Social Studies and General Education Social Studies; and Madel L. Telesforo, CTE Office Assistant, along with the participating pre-service teachers. Their active participation underscores SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how strong collaboration between government institutions and educational organizations can foster meaningful and sustainable social impact.

This collaboration marks the first deployment of CTE pre-service teachers to RRCY–CAR for internship, a pioneering step toward community-rooted, inclusive education. Prior to their deployment, the pre-service teachers underwent a comprehensive orientation facilitated by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel from the regional office in Baguio City. This preparation ensures they are equipped with the proper approaches, sensitivity, and protocols needed when working with children in conflict with the law—further contributing to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which advocates for the protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable youth.

This initiative is under the L.I.G.H.T (Literacy Integration and Guided Holistic Tutoring) Program, a transformative learning designed to support both the academic and personal development of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) housed at the DSWD–Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth, and in line with CCDC’s curriculum-based community engagements. The L.I.G.H.T Program reinforces the partnership’s commitment to providing meaningful, compassionate, and rights-based education for every learner.

Apalasico/2025

Leave a Comment

𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗢-𝗖𝗖𝗗𝗖 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗸𝗼𝗱

Barangay Pito, Bokod, Benguet – The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO), in partnership with the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), successfully conducted a Medical and Legal Mission aimed at providing essential health and legal services to residents, particularly those in remote communities.

The mission was initiated by BENECO in coordination with Sir Abello Fernando, Director of BENECO District 8. The CCDC team included medical clinic personnel, Community Health Education (CHE) staff, administrative faculty, student nurses, midwifery students, pharmacy students, and the school driver. Together with a licensed pharmacist, legal professionals, and volunteers, the team ensured the organized and compassionate delivery of services.

Free medical consultations, basic health assessments, medications, and legal assistance were offered to residents. Student nurses and midwifery students assisted with patient assessments, vital sign monitoring, health education, documentation, and crowd management. Pharmacy students, under the supervision of the licensed pharmacist, supported medication dispensing and provided drug counseling. Their combined efforts were instrumental to the mission’s success and provided valuable hands-on community experience.

Residents expressed gratitude for the accessible services, emphasizing that the mission helped address common health concerns and legal needs without requiring long travel. Local officials also lauded the collaboration between BENECO and CCDC for its meaningful impact on the community.

The organizers extended their sincere appreciation to all volunteers, staff, student nurses, midwifery students, pharmacy students, and the residents of Barangay Pito for their cooperation. 

The mission concluded with strengthened community ties and a shared commitment to continued service.

Leave a Comment

Unified for Progress: JSWAP National Leaders’ Assembly Conducted Concurrently with the 51st NASWEI Convention

The Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) National organized a significant leadership-building event crafted specifically for student leaders from colleges of social work across the country. Held at the Uswag Nutrition Center in Iloilo City, the activity brought together over 100 passionate social work students who shared a collective commitment to advocacy, leadership, and social transformation. Representing CCDC were Ms. Hannah Gweneth M. Busay and Ms. Camile A. Ventura, who proudly joined delegates from various regions of the Philippines.

This JSWAP event was conducted synchronously with the 51st NASWEI Biennial Convention, where the CCDC Social Work faculty were simultaneously attending the convention and professional development engagements. The parallel conduct of these events allowed both faculty and students to participate in national-level activities that strengthened their competencies and broadened their perspectives on leadership and social work education.

One of the major undertakings of the JSWAP assembly was the drafting of the JSWAP National Constitution and By-Laws. This collaborative effort aimed to provide a unified framework that would guide the organization’s leadership, advocacy initiatives, and collective direction. By contributing their voices and insights, participants developed a deeper sense of ownership and responsibility toward strengthening the national student social work community.

The program opened with inspiring remarks from Councilor Hon. Alan Zaldivar, RSW, who encouraged the participants to embrace their identities as future changemakers in the helping profession. His message emphasized the importance of grounded leadership, compassion, and service-oriented action.

A highlight of the event was the lecture delivered by Mr. Aaron Kim Gil, titled “Future Leaders of the Helping Profession: Skills for the Next Generation.” He emphasized that while passion and compassion are essential, emerging social workers must also equip themselves with critical thinking skills, professional competence, ethical grounding, and strategic approaches to community engagement. His talk motivated students to pursue continuous personal and professional growth.

A solidarity and networking activity followed, encouraging students from different institutions to interact, share experiences, and learn from one another. This created a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and shared learning—strengthening camaraderie among future practitioners.

Due to varying travel schedules, the event concluded with the distribution of tokens and certificates to the participants, acknowledging their involvement and contributions to the national assembly.

The CCDC student delegates expressed their deep gratitude for being chosen to represent their institution and for having the opportunity to engage with fellow student leaders from across the country. Although some expectations were not fully met, they highlighted that the experience allowed them to reflect, connect, and learn from student leaders representing different social work programs nationwide. They valued the insights gained, the friendships formed, and the renewed commitment to the social work profession.

Overall, the JSWAP National Leaders’ Assembly enriched the participants’ understanding of leadership, strengthened their professional identity, and reinforced their dedication to becoming compassionate, competent, and community-centered social workers.

By:

Hannah Gweneth M. Busay (SW 3^rd year Students)

Camile A. Ventura (SW 3^rd year Students

Kimberlyn M. Valdez

Leave a Comment

Hospitality and Tourism Week 2025: “Mabuhay Cordillera — The Admirals’ Fiesta!” Marks a Week of Competitions, Creativity, and Cultural Pride

The Hospitality and Tourism Week 2025: “Mabuhay Cordillera — The Admirals’ Fiesta!” was a vibrant and meaningful celebration that showcased the skills, creativity, and professionalism of BS Hospitality and BS Tourism students of CCDC. The event opened with a lively ceremony featuring the ribbon cutting, launch of the Trade Fair, and the Oath Taking of the newly elected HTM Guild Officers. As one organizer shared, “This celebration reflects our pride and commitment to sustainable tourism.”

Throughout the week, students actively participated in various competitions including Fruit & Vegetable Carving, Chicken Dressing & Cooking, Virtual Tour Guiding, Flight Showmanship, Table Napkin Folding, Baby Cake Decorating, and the Hospitality and Tourism Quiz Bee. These activities brought out the students’ enthusiasm and competitiveness, prompting one participant to remark, “It felt like real industry training—challenging but fulfilling.”

Skill-building sessions further enriched the celebration. The Housekeeping Seminar and Bed-Making Demo provided hands-on practice and professional insights. According to the speaker, “Precision and discipline define true hospitality service.” Likewise, the Public Speaking and Master of Ceremony Seminar strengthened the students’ confidence and communication skills, with the trainer reminding them, “Your voice is your first tool in hospitality.”

The week concluded with the Trashion Show and Closing Program, where students showcased sustainable fashion creations and celebrated the achievements of competition winners and those who represented the school in off-campus events. The closing message captured the spirit of the celebration: “Your hard work made this week truly remarkable.”

Overall, the activity successfully enhanced student confidence, teamwork, industry readiness, and appreciation for Cordilleran culture while promoting sustainability in tourism and hospitality, a very significant learning experience for students beyond classroom lectures.

Leave a Comment

EXPLORING HOSPITALITY HORIZONS: BS Hospitality Management Industrial Tour 2025

The 4th year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students of CCDC, under the Industrial Tour course, recently embarked on a two-day immersion tour at Manila and Clark on November 20-21, 2025. This journey was designed to provide firsthand experience to students in the hospitality establishments that offer unique perspectives on service excellence and hotel management. One of the key highlights of the tour was the students’ stay at the 4-star Azumi Boutique Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Their overnight experience allowed them to observe and appreciate the hotel’s guest service quality from a guest’s point of view. Alongside, they also toured City Garden Hotel in Manila, where they gained deeper insights on food and beverage operations and the daily workflow of hotel staff.

To further enrich their learning experience, the students attended a series of industry focused seminars and workshops at the Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA), one of the country’s premier training institutions for aspiring hospitality and culinary professionals.

The sessions were facilitated by seasoned practitioners who shared their extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the global hospitality landscape. The seminars helped broaden the students’ understanding of the industry and provided a clearer picture of the diverse career paths available to future hospitality professionals. 

Another standout feature of the tour was the hands-on visit to the Godel Chocolate Factory, where the students were introduced to the intricate world of artisanal chocolate making. They observed each stage of production from cacao bean selection and fermentation to grinding, molding and packaging allowing them to appreciate the craftsmanship behind premium chocolates. The highlight of the workshop was an opportunity for the students to create and design their own chocolate bars.

The tour served as a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, strengthening their understanding of the hospitality industry and inspiring them to pursue excellence in their future careers.

Leave a Comment

CCDC College of Criminal Justice Education Shines in the 19th National Forensic Science Specialization Training

The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) once again demonstrated its strong commitment to advancing forensic competency and professional development of its faculty members during the 19th National Forensic Science Specialization Training, held from November 23–30, 2025, at Brentwood Apartelle, M. Roxas Street, Baguio City. 

With the theme “Advancing Forensic Expertise for Modern Investigation,” the week-long live-in training brought together forensic practitioners and criminal justice professionals from across the Philippines to strengthen their expertise in specialized investigative disciplines. Participants completed 80 hours of intensive instruction, hands-on simulations, and expert-led workshops across five major fields, namely: Fire Arson Detection and Investigation Course, Forensic Investigation of Violent Crimes, Advanced Forensic Photography Specialization Course, Advanced Forensic Ballistics Specialization Course, and Advanced Forensic Chemistry Specialization Course.

CCDC’s College of Criminal Justice Education fielded five dedicated delegates—Shannia Brineth B. Bandao, Marcial M. Etong, Vergel C. Bayacsan, Justin B. Lingaling, and Charity T. Bayawa—who all represented the institution with professionalism and competence. Among them, Shannia Brineth B. Bandao distinguished herself in the Fire Arson Detection and Investigation Course (FADIC) by ranking first overall, securing first place in the Expert Witness Oral Defense component of the course, and receiving commendation as Class President of FADIC.

In the Advanced Forensic Ballistics Specialization Course, Marcial M. Etong earned second place overall, and in the Expert Witness Oral Defense in the said course. Vergel C. Bayacsan, representing the Advanced Forensic Photography Specialization Course, attained first place in the Expert Witness Oral Defense, while Justin B. Lingaling excelled in the Forensic Investigation of Violent Crimes course by earning second place in the Expert Witness Oral Defense.

The collective participation and achievements of these five delegates underscore CCDC’s dedication to developing competent, culturally grounded, and globally prepared professionals. Their strong performance mirrors the institution’s continuous pursuit of educational excellence, one that emphasizes holistic development, civic responsibility, dignity, and cultural awareness. By engaging in rigorous national forensic training, the delegates embodied the college’s commitment to empowering learners through meaningful, and experience-driven opportunities. Their success affirms CCDC’s vision of shaping responsible leaders who bring honor to their fields and contribute meaningfully to community safety, justice, and nation-building. 

Leave a Comment