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

Man-iyaman recognition program honors employees, students 

Close to 150 employees and students were recognized for their excellence and faithful service to the Cordillera Career Development College during the Man-iyaman Recognition Program on April 4 at the Tupayya Gym. 

The Man-iyaman program honors its service awardees and retirees, and Padayaw awards for employees of the year and outstanding students. 

The service awardees were led by Board Treasurer Sofia Fernando Malaya and Basic Education Principal Amor Banasen Segundo, who were both lauded for their 30 years in service. 

In her response, Segundo fondly remembers attending the groundbreaking of CCDC’s first building in its current location, after renting at the Pelizloy Building in Km. 5 as its classroom in the mid 90s. 

After staying with CCDC for a long time, those close to her asked why she did not apply to the Department of Education.

“Why would I look for another job when I’m happy here, especially because after some time, my former students became my colleagues,” Segundo said. 

With three years left prior to her retirement, the Program Coordinator of the Senior High School said she considers CCDC as her “home away from home.” 

College of Criminal Justice Education Dean Dennis Butag, meanwhile, is one of the 20 years of service awardee together with Prosecutor Mark Clifford Maranes; the latter started as a CCJE professor prior to being hired as a professor in the College of Law.   

“I look forward to continually being part of the accomplishment of the school’s vision and mission,” Butag said in his speech. He was hired after topping the criminology licensure exam in 2004. 

For Judge Ruth Bawayan, one of the 10 year service awardees, being a part of CCDC as a faculty member of the College of Law gives her a sense of community. 

“Thank you very much CCDC for caring enough, for giving us a chance to serve our community, and to give back to our profession. Iyaman mi,” Bawayan said.   

Other 10 year service awardees include: Jeff Julian Abanag, Dina Amdos, Atty. Andres Arnold Lampacan, Pros. Shirley Jane Malaya, Rosebel Miguel, Atty. Jansen Nacar, Reynaldo Samson, and Vience Villanueva. 

The 15 year service awardees are: Ret. Judge Adolfo Malingan, Judge Rufus Malecdan, Jr., Pros. Benedict Pataras, Ret. Judge Joseph Patnaan, and Atty. Miller Quintin, Jr.  

Five-year service awardees include Jacqueline Acod, Atty. Alexis Agmata, Pros. Jonjon Amcay, Marfelyn Angyatao, Pros. Gerard Babate, Bliss Bacacao, Atty. Bartolome Baldas Jr., Atty. Julio Barcellano Jr., Torino Basilan, Diana Brudo, Atty. Cyrus Calaya, Marcial Etong, Arlene Lalio, Jean Langan, Ret. Pros. Elmer Sagsago, Atty. Susana Umayat, Kimberlyn Valdez, and Atty. Julie Binaldo-Velasco.

President Sherry Junette Tagle was recognized for her 25 years service while  newly-retired Abello Kollin Fernando, was lauded for serving CCDC for 29 years prior to his retirement last year. 

Employees of the year are Melvin Ngayaan, Jane Sapilio, Cherry Cayadan, Silverluz Bataclao as faculty; Marivel Muñoz and Amor Segundo as Dean and Program Coordinator; Delia Sallied and Ronnie Ville Valdez as non-teaching staff; and Jaylo Lacaden and Chita Mang-usan as office heads.  

Padayaw awards were also given to students which includes the Tatak CCDC outstanding student award, emerging leaders award, volunteer service award, academic excellence award, CCDC pride award and the newsmaker award for student athletes who made waves in the recent CARAA. 

Vice President for Administration Atty. Annabelle Gondales thanked all those who became part of CCDC for 32 years—the students, employees, parents, partners, the community, and the Almighty for His guidance all these years.  

“As we celebrate these achievements today, let us also remember that our true strength lies not in our individual accomplishments, but in our collective efforts to build a community that values excellence, inclusivity and social responsibility,” Gondales said. 

The program is the culminating event of CCDC’s 32nd anniversary celebration with the theme: “Grassroots to Global: Championing Excellence Across Disciplines.”

MIND MATTERS: NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH IN CCDC COMMUNITY: November 14-15, 2024

Day 1, the “Mind Matters” seminar at Iyaman Hall had 451 students from various departments. Ma’am Irene T. Alcantara, the resource speaker, discussed the challenges youth face today, highlighting common pressures and struggles. She also talked about the traits of a mentally healthy individual, providing valuable advice on achieving balance and resilience. Additionally, she introduced the PERMA MODEL—a framework for well-being that students can use in their daily lives to enhance personal growth and happiness.

Day 2, featured booth visitations, where different departments set up booths to welcome and assist students. Booth 1, “Pop Your Stress,” was facilitated by Criminology interns. Booth 2, “Kumustahan Booth,” was managed by Social Work students. Booth 3, “Elevate Booth,” was facilitated by Mr. and Mrs. Ballesteros. Booth 4, “Post-It,” was hosted by students from the College of Business Administration and College of Accountancy. Booth 5, “Life is Colorful,” was run by College of Teacher Education students. Booth 6, “Paint Your Story,” was facilitated by College of Nursing students. Booth 7, “Mindfulness Card,” was managed by Midwifery students, and Booth 8, “Price and Reflection,” was facilitated by Criminology interns. This milestone event significantly raised mental health awareness within the Cordillera Career Development College community, fostering resilience and understanding for a more supportive future.

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE ON SUICIDE: START THE CONVERSATION: September 28 and October 2, 2024

The activity brought together various college departments and was facilitated by Mr. and Mrs. Ballesteros from Elevate, with valuable support from the Admirals Peer Facilitators.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024–2026), “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” is paired with the call to action “Start the Conversation.” This theme highlights the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding suicide by encouraging open dialogue and raising awareness. It advocates for a transformative shift from a culture of silence and judgment to one of understanding, compassion, and active support.

CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP: TRAINING FOR FUTURE SCHOOL COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS: September 9, 2024

Ma’am Kaiza Caballero facilitated an engaging session for the elementary officers, focusing on the topic “The Leader in Me.” The activity provided the young students with valuable knowledge about leadership and its importance. She emphasized that recognizing their leadership potential at an early age helps build confidence, self-esteem, and courage as they grow.

Meanwhile, Ma’am Shellamae Ruben led a workshop for the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) officers centered on “Understanding Leadership and Its Core Principles.” This insightful discussion enabled the PTA officers to draft a comprehensive general plan for the upcoming semester, prioritizing the welfare of the students. Both sessions proved to be impactful, with participants gaining meaningful insights and enjoying the learning experience. Leadership training like this plays a vital role in shaping the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Parents Orientation cum Seminar: Focusing the next generation: Effective Parenting Style for Today’s World: August 9, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world of technological advancements and societal changes, traditional parenting methods often fail to address modern challenges. To address this, a seminar was held during the Parents’ Orientation at the Tupa-ya Sports Complex, offering psychological-based strategies and practical tools for contemporary parenting.

The seminar was led by Ma’am Ylona Veronica A. Bayod, a registered psychologist, psychometrician, and licensed professional teacher. She is also a co-owner and clinical psychologist at the Baguio-Benguet Psychological Services and Consultation Center, where she provides vital mental health services and consultancy. Her talk, titled “The Role of Parenting on the Mental Health of the Child,” offered profound insights into the impact of parenting on a child’s well-being.

Ma’am Bayod emphasized key points, including:

• “What home do you provide for your children? Do they feel excited to go back home after school?”
• “Be the kind of love that you did not receive.”
• “The psychological father is far more important than the biological father” (for single mothers raising children).
• “Nobody is guaranteed a senior citizen life. Give the love they deserve so that when you’re gone, there will be no regrets.”
• “You cannot change negative behavior through anger. Only love can.”

The session empowered parents with valuable insights and encouraged them to foster a nurturing environment that promotes their children’s mental and emotional health.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID: July 30, 2024

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a method of providing emotional support and assistance to individuals of any age or background immediately after a disaster. While students have unique characteristics and needs, PFA offers a flexible approach to addressing their basic needs during stressful situations. It equips educators with strategies to help students cope with pressing concerns in the days and weeks following a crisis.

This activity, facilitated by the Student Development Officer, was attended by elementary teachers and featured Ma’am Irene T. Alcantara as the keynote speaker. She emphasized the importance of Psychological First Aid in the workplace. The session aimed to train faculty members with the skills and knowledge to deliver immediate emotional and practical support to students affected by crises or traumatic events.

AYOWAN: TEAMWORK QUEST: June 25-27, 2024

The two-day activity, held at Admirals Farm Park in Pinalyok, Lamtang Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet, brought together 10 Benguet Volleyball Team athletes, 10 Social Work students/Peer Facilitators, 2 Nursing students, and 2 facilitators from the Student Development Office. Participants engaged in psychosocial processing, team-building exercises, physical activities, and sessions on proper hygiene for health and wellness. The program emphasized the importance of table etiquette and fostering respectful relationships with teammates, coaches, elders, and the community.

The event strengthened bonds among players through open sharing of thoughts and ideas, while facilitators developed valuable life skills, including attending and educational techniques, which can be applied to future endeavors.

GROUND EXIT: BREAKING NEW GROUNDS IN FIRM FOUNDATIONS: May 17, 2024

The event, held at the Tupa-ya Gym, was attended by 720 graduation candidates. Representatives from the SSS and BIR provided guidance on document application processes, their purposes, and their importance. Key speakers included Atty. Shontogan, PLTCOL Richard Albon (Chief of the Regional Recruitment and Selection Unit-Cordillera), PLT Normin Luis, and alumni Kelly Denn Tomas, who shared valuable insights to prepare students for their post-graduation endeavors.