Graduating with Purpose: How CCDC Tracks and Supports Women to Succeed

CCDC tracks student outcomes closely, revealing a dramatic rise in women’s graduation rates. As shown above, the percentage of Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) graduates who are female jumped from 45.22% in 2021 to 63.50% in 2022, and climbed further to 65% in 2023.  In 2024, 81% of the graduates are women, numbering 354 of 437. This data-driven approach – collecting and analyzing student performance by gender – allows the college to celebrate successes and pinpoint where more support is needed. By measuring women’s graduation rates in various programs, CCDC ensures its gender equality initiatives are on track and making a difference. For instance, in STEM courses, 100% of CCDC’s graduates were women in 2022, up from 88% in 2021. Likewise, female graduates in the arts and social sciences rose from 33.33% in 2021 to 60.11% in 2022, indicating progress toward gender balance across disciplines.

Tracking Progress: Measuring Women’s Graduation Rates

CCDC has a system in place to measure and track women’s graduation rates through diligent gender-disaggregated data collection. The college systematically gathers data on enrollment and graduation, broken down by gender, to monitor how female students are faring. This tracking isn’t just for show – it drives action. Administrators regularly review these metrics to identify trends and gaps. Such detailed tracking helps CCDC gauge the impact of its programs and ensure that women are not only enrolling but also successfully completing their degrees. It also allows the school to spotlight areas where women excel and where additional support might be needed, guiding continuous improvement in gender equity efforts.

Support Services to Help Women Succeed

A key factor behind the rising graduation rates is CCDC’s robust student support services designed to help women thrive academically and personally. The college offers counseling and mentoring programs, which female students readily utilize – in 2021, 73.22% of students who accessed mentoring and counseling were women, and this remained high at 57.47% in 2022. in 2024, women in talk therapy sessions numbered 42 of 64 total clients or 66%. This shows that women at CCDC are actively seeking support to excel in their studies. Such willingness to ask for help is encouraged by a campus culture that makes support accessible and stigma-free. “We have noted that more [female] students are now more comfortable and open when it comes to seeking help and recognizing the signs of anxiety and depression,” shares Michelle Palongdias, CCDC’s Student Development Officer. Whether they need academic guidance, mental health counseling, or career advice, women know there are dedicated resources to back them up. These services help students overcome challenges that might otherwise hinder them from finishing their degree.

Financial support is another crucial service. CCDC provides scholarships and financial aid, with women consistently receiving more than half of all scholarships in recent years. This commitment ensures that financial barriers do not derail women’s education. Many female students are also the first in their families to attend college, so CCDC pays special attention to first-generation women students. In 2022, 55.10% of CCDC’s female freshmen were first-generation college students (81 out of 147 new female students) – pioneers breaking new ground for their families. By 2023, the share of first-generation women among new enrollees grew even further, with roughly 64.5% of new female students being first in their family to pursue higher education. The college’s mentoring, counseling, and financial aid programs are especially beneficial for these trailblazers, offering guidance and encouragement so they can stay on track and graduate.

Expanding Access and Breaking Barriers

From admissions to graduation, CCDC works to expand access for women and break down barriers that might impede their success. The college follows an Open Admission Policy that ensures all qualified applicants – regardless of gender – are given a chance to enroll. This inclusive approach means women are welcomed into every program from day one. Once enrolled, female students find opportunities to advance through scholarships, as noted above, and through proactive outreach. CCDC conducts career guidance sessions in local high schools, encouraging young women to pursue fields where they have been underrepresented, like criminology and technology. By showing girls that they have a place in such programs, the college challenges traditional gender roles and inspires more women to follow non-traditional career paths.

Safe and Inclusive Campus Policies

CCDC understands that women’s success isn’t just about academics and finances – it’s also about feeling safe and included on campus. The college has put strong policies in place to maintain a harassment-free, gender-inclusive environment. Annabelle B. Gondales, CCDC’s Vice President for Administration, notes that the school has strengthened its reporting systems for harassment cases, protecting the privacy and interests of those who report incidents. This improved system encourages students to trust that if they speak up about issues like sexual harassment or violence, the college will respond effectively and protect them. CCDC’s Student Handbook explicitly emphasizes protection from all forms of gender-based violence, abuse, and discrimination, reflecting the institution’s commitment to zero tolerance for harassment. Every student, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, is ensured a learning environment free from intimidation.

Conclusion: Women Graduating with Purpose

All these initiatives – rigorous data tracking, targeted support services, expanded opportunities, and safe campus policies – work together to help CCDC’s women students succeed and graduate. The impact is evident in the numbers: women have gone from less than half of graduates to nearly two-thirds of graduates in just a couple of years. But beyond the statistics are countless individual stories of female students achieving their dreams. Each percentage point increase represents more lives changed – more mothers, daughters, and sisters earning their degrees and graduating with purpose. CCDC’s comprehensive approach shows that when a college truly commits to women’s empowerment – by measuring progress, providing support, and creating an inclusive environment – it can dramatically boost women’s graduation rates. At CCDC, women are not only earning diplomas in greater numbers than ever before; they are stepping into the world as confident graduates ready to lead and inspire the next generation.

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Childcare Facilities at CCDC Support Student-Mothers, Faculty, and Staff

By CCDC Gender and Development Office

Inevitable circumstances sometimes prompt college students and employees to bring their young children to school. At Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), they are most certainly welcome. In fact, CCDC often describes itself as a “second home” for its students and employees, having established “various flexible practices that allow employees opportunities that will help them as they start their young families”. A key part of this support system is the provision of on-campus childcare facilities and child-friendly policies that enable parents – whether student-mothers or staff – to continue their education or work without worry. According to CCDC reports, these childcare facilities are available to both students and staff, allowing parents to bring their children to campus and access spaces where they can safely play or study.

Child-Friendly Spaces on Campus

To accommodate student-parents and employees with children, CCDC has dedicated a special Learning Resource Center (LRC) “Reading Room” in the Elementary Department as a zone for kids. Here, “children of college students are allowed to spend time reading books and playing board games while their parents attend their classes”. Moreover, a wide gymnasium across the hall provides a safe, spacious place for children to play under supervision when needed. If necessary, children may even accompany their parent into the classroom, provided they remain quiet and well-behaved so as not to disrupt the class. Notably, “all these facilities are offered and used free of charge” – CCDC does not impose any fees for bringing one’s child on campus or using these child-minding spaces.

This family-friendly setup has proven beneficial especially for student-mothers who might otherwise struggle to attend lectures. With a reading/play room and even the campus gym available for their children’s use, mothers can focus on school knowing their kids are nearby in a safe environment engaged with books or toys. Real-life examples shared on CCDC’s official page show children happily occupied with board games in the Reading Room while mom is in class, illustrating how this initiative helps balance parenting with academic responsibilities. It creates an environment where having a young child is not a barrier to completing one’s degree. “It’s a big help,” one student-parent noted in a post, seeing the campus truly become a home away from home for both her and her toddler.

Support for Mothers Among Faculty and Staff

CCDC’s commitment to supporting parents extends to its faculty and staff as well. The college operates an on-campus birthing clinic (a DOH-licensed facility used by the BS Midwifery program) in collaboration with its Health Services unit. Within this facility, a private child-rearing and breastfeeding room is readily available for breastfeeding mothers – both students and employees. This means that new mothers on staff or student-moms can nurse their infants or pump milk in a clean, safe space on campus. Such a lactation facility encourages postpartum mothers to return to work or school without having to give up breastfeeding, supporting both maternal and child health.

Photo 2: A CCDC on-campus breastfeeding room at the CCDC Birthing Clinic.

Beyond these facilities, CCDC has institutionalized family-friendly policies to foster work-life balance. The college complies fully with national laws on maternity and paternity leave, and even goes further. Aligned with labor guidelines, CCDC provides benefits for maternity, paternity, special leave for women, solo parent leave, and leave for victims of violence against women and their children. In 2023 alone, 8 employees availed of maternity or paternity leave benefits, with the school granting extended leave days upon request to accommodate their needs. This responsiveness ensures that new parents on staff have adequate time to care for newborns without career penalty.

Another remarkable benefit for CCDC employees is educational support for their children. The institution offers free tuition for employees’ dependents from Nursery up to Grade 12 (and even some college programs), easing the financial burden on young families. This policy assures faculty and staff that their children’s schooling is taken care of, from early childhood through high school, at no cost. Together with the on-campus childcare facilities, such measures create a truly family-friendly workplace.

Fostering an Inclusive, Family-Friendly Campus

All of these initiatives – from the reading room and play areas for kids to the lactation room and flexible leave policies – demonstrate CCDC’s strong advocacy for work-life balance and gender-responsive programs. By addressing the practical needs of parents, “especially mothers,” the school actively promotes gender equality, productivity, and inclusivity within the academic community. Student-mothers can pursue their college degrees without having to pause their parenting duties, and employees with young children do not have to choose between career and family. This culture of care and community ensures that every member of the CCDC family can thrive in both their personal and professional lives, knowing their children are safe, supported, and truly part of the CCDC home.

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Empowering Women through Inclusive Admissions at CCDC

At Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), gender is no barrier to higher education. The institution’s admissions policies and outcomes demonstrate a clear commitment to women’s inclusion and success, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. CCDC actively ensures that women have equal access to apply, enroll, and thrive in college – an approach reflected in both its official policies and its student statistics.

A Clear Policy of Open Admission

CCDC’s admissions policy is unequivocally inclusive. Admission is open to all students who meet the college’s academic and character requirements, with the process overseen by the Registrar to ensure fairness and integrity. In practice, this means CCDC maintains an open admission policy that welcomes female applicants on equal footing with male applicants. The college explicitly upholds an “absolute anti-discrimination policy” – particularly protecting women and transgender students – to guarantee no applicant is treated unfairly. As evidence of this commitment, CCDC reports zero cases of any woman being denied entry based on gender in its history. In short, if a prospective student (male or female) meets the requirements, CCDC ensures they have a place at the college.

This inclusive ethos is also grounded in national principles and laws. The Student Handbook emphasizes gender sensitivity, equity, and non-discrimination, aligning with broader Philippine mandates on inclusivity. CCDC integrates these values into its governance and campus life, creating a safe environment for all students regardless of gender or background. By adhering to these standards, the college’s admission process not only opens doors for women but also fosters an environment where they are respected and supported throughout their education.

Women’s Enrollment on the Rise (2021–2023)

Recent data from CCDC’s admissions underscore how this policy translates into real progress for women. Women’s representation among incoming students has been steadily climbing each year. In 2021, women made up just under half of new enrollees. By 2022, women comprised about 45.9% of all students beginning a degree at CCDC. This upward trend continued into 2023, when female students were nearly at parity with males in the freshman cohort – approximately 49% of new entrants in 2023 were women. In fact, out of 427 first-year students enrolled in 2023, 222 were female (52%) – slightly outnumbering their male counterparts. This marks a significant shift toward gender balance in enrollment, reflecting CCDC’s efforts to encourage and welcome women applicants.

Percentage of women among CCDC’s new enrollees and graduates, 2021–2023. The share of female students at entry has grown from around 43% in 2021 to about 49% in 2023, indicating near parity in admissions. Notably, women’s share of graduates has surged even more – from roughly 45% in 2021 to over 65% by 2023 – showing that once admitted, female students are excelling and completing their programs in high numbers.

This inclusive intake is coupled with a 100% acceptance rate for qualified female applicants, thanks to the open-admissions approach. The absence of any gender-based admission complaints attests that women who seek education at CCDC are given the opportunity to enroll. In short, every woman who aspires to attend CCDC and meets the requirements can do so, free from arbitrary barriers. The rising proportion of women in each new class suggests that outreach and equal-opportunity policies are effectively enabling more young women to pursue college education.

Women Achieving and Graduating in Greater Numbers

Importantly, CCDC’s commitment to women does not stop at admission – it carries through to academic success. Once enrolled, female students are achieving high completion rates, outpacing their male peers. The college’s data show that women now form the majority of CCDC graduates. In 2021, women accounted for about 45% of graduates, but by 2022 this jumped to 63.5% of all graduates. Most recently, in the year-end graduation of 2023, roughly 65.2% of CCDC’s graduates were female – nearly two-thirds of the graduating class. This dramatic rise in female graduates (from less than half to almost two-thirds in the span of two years) highlights not only improved female enrollment but also excellent retention and completion among women students.

Such outcomes illustrate that women at CCDC are not only entering college in greater numbers, but also finishing their studies at very high rates. In fact, the increasing number of women earning degrees is viewed as a success indicator of CCDC’s support systems and inclusive culture. The Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education noted, for example, a growing influx of female students in traditionally male-dominated programs like criminology, accompanied by strong graduation rates – a trend attributed to improved support and conditions for women in those fields. Across various disciplines, female students are excelling. Notably, in 2022 women comprised 100% of CCDC’s graduates in STEM courses (up from 88% in 2021), demonstrating their growing presence in fields where women have been historically underrepresented. The same pattern holds in other fields like social sciences, where the proportion of female graduates also saw a sharp increase.

CCDC’s student services and academic support programs have undoubtedly played a role in these outcomes. College officials report that more students – “most especially women” – are now proactive in seeking help through counseling and support services when needed. This willingness to utilize support reflects a campus climate where female students feel safe and empowered to ask for assistance, which in turn helps them persist to graduation. The college’s gender-responsive policies (such as strengthening harassment reporting systems and promoting a respectful campus culture) further ensure that women can focus on their studies and personal growth without fear of discrimination. The result is a virtuous cycle: inclusive admissions bring more women into college, and an inclusive environment helps more women succeed and graduate.

Supporting First-Generation Female Students – Breaking Barriers

Behind these numbers are life-changing opportunities. A significant portion of CCDC’s female students are first-generation college students – often the first women in their entire family to attend college. In 2021, about 55.1% of the women who enrolled at CCDC were the first in their family to pursue higher education, and this share grew to 63.6% in 2022. By 2023, over half of incoming female students (around 58%) were first-generation college-goers. These figures highlight how CCDC is opening its doors especially to young women from families and communities where attending college was never previously an option.

For these first-generation female students, gaining admission to CCDC is more than just personal achievement – it is a transformative milestone for their families. Each of these young women is “breaking new ground in their families by being the first to attend a higher education institution”, a trend that signals increasing access for those historically left behind. The impact is profound: as the first college-educated woman in the family, she becomes a role model for siblings and peers, and can lift her family’s economic prospects. CCDC recognizes the importance of supporting such students so they not only enroll but also graduate successfully.

The college’s financial aid and support programs are tailored to keep education accessible for women from all walks of life. Many female students benefit from scholarships, grants, and discounts – in fact, women consistently made up more than half of scholarship recipients in 2023, reflecting CCDC’s effort to help female students afford school. On campus, initiatives like the Ayowan (Care) program provide counseling, mentoring, and tutoring to ensure that first-generation students (who may lack family guidance on college life) get the encouragement and help they need. It’s telling that women form the majority of those utilizing mentoring and counseling services – 73% of students who accessed these support services in 2021 were female – showing that CCDC’s female students actively engage with resources that help them excel.

All these efforts cultivate a supportive atmosphere where first-generation women can thrive. “Once students feel supported in all areas of their lives, they thrive,” notes a CCDC article highlighting the college’s high overall completion rate of 79%. First-generation female enrollees, who face unique challenges, are graduating in growing numbers – empowered by education to enter careers in fields like education, law, health, and technology. The presence of female leaders among CCDC’s faculty and administration (women hold roughly 65–66% of senior academic positions as of 2023) further reinforces a culture of female empowerment. Young women at CCDC can see examples of successful women in leadership, which inspires them to aim high and break gender norms in their chosen professions.

Conclusion: Inclusive Admissions as a Catalyst for Women’s Empowerment

CCDC’s clear and inclusive admissions policy for women – combined with its robust support systems – is guiding first-generation and underrepresented young women toward academic success. The data tells a compelling story: more women are applying and being admitted without bias, and more women are completing their degrees than ever before. This progress is not only a win for CCDC, but also for the broader community, as educated women become agents of change in their families and industries. By bringing education closer to the people, CCDC is ensuring that women from all backgrounds have a fair shot at college and a brighter future. In doing so, the college exemplifies how fulfilling the promise of equal access to education can drive female empowerment and help realize the goals of gender equality, one graduating class at a time.

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Breaking Barriers: How CCDC Empowers Women in Male-Dominated Fields

Women have long been underrepresented in certain careers, but Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) is on a mission to change that. Through proactive outreach, supportive programs, and an inclusive campus culture, CCDC encourages women to pursue fields traditionally dominated by men. The college’s efforts are not just policies on paper – they’re real programs touching lives, from high school classrooms to community centers and beyond. The result is a growing number of empowered CCDC alumnae thriving in careers once considered “for men only,” and a campus where young women know that no dream is off-limits.

Outreach and Guidance: Inspiring Future Women Professionals

One of CCDC’s most impactful strategies is early outreach or career guidance. Teams from the college visit secondary schools across the region to spark girls’ interest in courses and careers where women are typically underrepresented. During these career guidance sessions, successful women alumnae and faculty often share their stories, helping to demystify fields like law enforcement. For instance, CCDC actively promotes criminology – a field traditionally dominated by male officers – as an exciting path for young women. In local high schools, the college’s guidance counselors encourage female students to consider degrees like Criminology, challenging outdated stereotypes and empowering girls to break new ground. By seeing women role models in these sessions (such as female police officers who graduated from CCDC), the next generation is learning that they too belong in any profession they choose. This early encouragement is often the first spark that inspires a girl to say, “I can do that,” and CCDC is making sure that spark catches fire.

Partnerships and Safe Spaces: Building a Supportive Community

Encouraging women in male-dominated fields goes hand-in-hand with creating a community that values and protects them. CCDC works closely with local community groups and government agencies to champion women’s rights and well-being. The college regularly participates in nationwide initiatives like the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, promoting awareness and action against gender-based violence. Through its various colleges, CCDC integrates Gender and Development programs that educate students on gender equality and provide support mechanisms for women. These partnerships and campaigns send a clear message: women’s voices and safety matter everywhere – from the classroom to the workplace – and the community is united behind them.

On campus, CCDC has cultivated a safe, inclusive atmosphere where female students can thrive without fear or bias. Policies are in place (as outlined in the CCDC Student Handbook) to prevent discrimination and harassment, ensuring “a safe and inclusive environment for all students”. In fact, the college has strengthened how it handles harassment issues, making it easier for students to report problems and trust that action will be taken. “CCDC has strengthened its strategies in protecting the interest of parties involved in harassment cases… [which] helps encourage parties to trust the systems in place to ensure a safe learning environment for all,” confirms Annabelle B. Gondales, CCDC’s Vice President for Administration. This supportive climate extends to mentorship and counseling programs as well, so that women (and men) have the emotional and academic support they need to succeed. Perhaps most powerfully, CCDC leads by example: women now hold about two-thirds of the senior academic positions at the college, providing strong role models in leadership. With female deans, professors, and administrators prominently guiding the institution, students see that women can excel as experts and leaders – a daily reminder that gender is no barrier to achievement.

Inclusive Progress: Women Thriving in New Fields

The true measure of CCDC’s efforts is written in the success of its students and graduates. In recent years, the college has seen a notable rise in women entering and excelling in courses once dominated by men. Dean Dennis M. Butag of the College of Criminal Justice Education observes that more women are enrolling in the Criminology program than ever before – and importantly, they are completing their degrees at higher rates. He attributes this positive trend partly to improving conditions for women in law enforcement careers after graduation. In other words, as the broader field becomes more welcoming to women, CCDC is right there preparing female graduates to step into those roles and succeed. Similar progress is evident in technical and scientific courses.

Behind these numbers are countless personal victories: a young woman from a farming family who, thanks to a CCDC scholarship and mentoring, became the first female engineer in her community; a shy girl who joined the college’s IT program after an outreach seminar and discovered a passion for coding; a mother who returned to school in her 30s to study criminal justice and is now proudly serving in the police force. Each story adds to the growing narrative that CCDC is helping to rewrite – one where women are confident and equipped to enter any field they dream of.

In the end, CCDC’s message to women and girls is simple but powerful: You belong here, and you can do anything. With that supportive message backed by real action, Cordillera Career Development College is transforming lives and helping to shape a more equitable future – one female trailblazer at a time.

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Tracking Women’s Applications and Enrollment at CCDC: A Data-Driven Approach to Gender Equity

Why Gender Data Matters in Education?

Achieving gender equity in higher education begins with understanding the numbers. By measuring how many women apply and enroll, colleges can identify gaps and progress toward equality. Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) in the Philippines exemplifies this data-driven approach. The institution not only welcomes female students under an open admissions policy, it also systematically tracks the gender breakdown of applicants and enrollees each year. This commitment aligns with national goals for inclusivity – CCDC goes beyond government mandates to integrate Gender and Development (GAD) principles across all operations. In practice, that means every woman’s application and academic journey counts, and the college uses data to ensure women are not left behind.

Open Admission and a No-Discrimination Policy

From the outset, CCDC has enshrined policies to guarantee women full access to education. The college maintains an open admissions policy addressing women’s applications, acceptance, entry, and participation. In effect, all qualified applicants are accepted regardless of gender, ensuring an equal acceptance rate for women. This policy is backed by an Absolute No Discrimination stance – CCDC explicitly prohibits any bias “especially against women and transgenders” in its community. As a result, there have been no recorded cases of female students being denied entry based on gender or race. These policies set the foundation: women who aspire to study at CCDC know the door is wide open, and the college actively monitors admissions to uphold this fairness.

By the Numbers: Women in CCDC Admissions

CCDC’s internal data show that the college carefully measures the share of women among its incoming students – and those numbers have been rising. In 2022, women comprised 45.94% of all students beginning a degree at CCDC. By 2023, that share climbed even higher. CCDC enrolled a total of 427 first-year college students in 2023, of whom 222 were female and 205 male. In other words, just over half of new CCDC students were women – a milestone move toward gender balance in enrollment. This increase represents real growth: the college reports that female student enrollment rose by 2.95% in 2022 compared to the previous year, and the upward trend continued into 2023. Such statistics are not gathered by accident; they indicate CCDC has a system for collecting and analyzing enrollment data by gender each year.

First-Generation Women: Breaking Barriers

Digging deeper into the data, CCDC also tracks which women are coming through its doors – including those breaking new ground in their families. Between 2021 and 2022, the college saw a significant jump in the proportion of female enrollees who were first-generation college students. In 2021, about 55.10% of the women who enrolled at CCDC were the first female in their family to attend college, and in 2022 that figure rose to 63.63%. This trend continued into 2023 with an even higher influx of trailblazing young women: the percentage of women from first-generation backgrounds entering college grew to roughly 64.5% in 2023. In practical terms, out of the new female students that year, nearly two-thirds were the first in their family to pursue higher education. CCDC’s data-tracking makes these achievements visible, highlighting how the college is opening doors for women who historically might not have attended college. Every percentage point increase represents daughters becoming the first in their family to wear a college uniform – a powerful metric of progress for the community.

Comparative Gender Statistics in Enrollment

By monitoring gender metrics, CCDC ensures that women’s participation is not only encouraged but quantifiable. The college’s data show that female students are approaching parity with, or even exceeding, their male counterparts in many respects. For instance, in the 2023 first-year cohort, women slightly outnumbered men (222 vs. 205). CCDC also notes that women consistently make up more than half of its scholarship recipients – indicating that female students are accessing financial aid opportunities at least as much as males. Crucially, these statistics aren’t considered in isolation; they are compared year by year to track progress. The rise in female enrollment from 2021 to 2023 demonstrates a positive trajectory, and CCDC’s administrators can pinpoint this improvement because they collect the data annually. By keeping an eye on women’s application and entry rates, the college can identify if the gender mix starts to slip and respond with targeted outreach (for example, more career guidance sessions for young women in local high schools to encourage applications in underrepresented fields). The numbers serve as both a scorecard and a guide for further action.

Women’s Success from Entry to Graduation

Tracking women’s entry into college is only part of the story – CCDC follows through by measuring outcomes like retention and graduation, providing a fuller picture of gender equity on campus. The data here are striking. In 2021, under half of CCDC’s graduates were female, but just a year later the majority of graduates were women. Specifically, women made up 63.50% of all graduates in 2022, up from 45.22% in 2021. That momentum carried into the next year: by the end of 2023, nearly 65.19% of CCDC’s graduates were female – roughly two-thirds of the graduating class. This surge in female graduates suggests that not only are more women enrolling, they are also completing their programs at high rates. In certain traditionally male-dominated fields the change is even more pronounced: 100% of CCDC’s STEM program graduates in 2022 were women (up from 88% in 2021). Faculty have taken notice of these trends. For example, the Dean of the Criminal Justice Education program observed a growing number of women entering criminology and successfully finishing their degrees, attributing it partly to improved conditions for women in that field. These data points – collected and shared by the college – highlight how tracking female student progress helps CCDC celebrate successes and address any bottlenecks. When the college saw female students falling behind in certain areas, it introduced improved student services and safe spaces; now it sees women thriving academically, which is reflected in the graduation statistics.

Building a Supportive, Gender-Inclusive Environment

Underpinning CCDC’s data-driven approach is a campus culture that actively supports female students from application to graduation. The college’s gender-responsive policies are codified in its student handbook, emphasizing gender sensitivity, non-discrimination, and protection from harassment. In practice, CCDC provides resources that help female students persist and succeed – from counseling and mentoring services (which women students utilize at high rates) to practical supports like on-campus childcare and dedicated facilities for student mothers. These measures complement the numerical tracking: data identified where support was needed, and policies were implemented in response. CCDC even reports that more female students are coming forward to seek help when facing challenges, a sign of growing trust in the systems in place. By coupling a robust tracking system with concrete programs (scholarships, guidance sessions, work-life balance initiatives for student-parents, etc.), the college creates an environment where women not only enroll in greater numbers but also feel empowered to continue and excel.

Conclusion: Data as a Tool for Gender Equity

CCDC’s experience shows why tracking women’s application and entry rates isn’t just about statistics – it’s about accountability and progress in gender equity. By collecting data on how many women apply, enroll, and ultimately graduate, the college can celebrate milestones (like record-high female enrollment and graduation rates) and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven vigilance ensures that policies like open admissions and anti-discrimination are not just words on paper but realities reflected in the student body. Moreover, sharing these metrics publicly signals CCDC’s commitment to women’s education. It humanizes the numbers by telling a story: each percentage increase represents more women getting a chance at higher education and succeeding. In the broader context of higher education, CCDC provides a model for how measuring what matters – in this case, the participation of women – can drive and document progress. As the college continues to refine its gender-inclusive strategies, the numbers will be there to chart the journey toward true equity, one incoming class at a time.

All evidence points to a clear conclusion: CCDC is not only committed to empowering women in education, it is meticulously measuring its success in doing so – and the results are encouraging.

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Empowering Women at CCDC

“I never thought I’d make it this far.” These words echo the journey of countless young women from the Cordilleras who once saw college as an impossible dream. Take, for example, a farmer’s daughter from Benguet, who grew up helping her family make ends meet. Today, she steps onto the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) campus with confidence – a scholar, a mentee, and a future leader. Her story, and many like it, are made possible by CCDC’s unwavering commitment to accessible education and women’s empowerment.

Women at CCDC are not only entering college in greater numbers, but also finishing their studies at very high rates. In fact, the increasing number of women earning degrees is viewed as a success indicator of CCDC’s support systems and inclusive culture. The Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education, Dr. Dennis Butag noted, for example, a growing influx of female students in traditionally male-dominated programs like criminology, accompanied by strong graduation rates – a trend attributed to improved support and conditions for women in those fields. Across various disciplines, female students are excelling.

At CCDC, opening doors for female learners isn’t just a policy – it’s a mission lived daily. For over 30 years, the college has stood by its promise of “Bringing Education Closer to the People,” extending opportunities to those who need them most. This mission shines through in the latest data from 2024: from scholarship grants to student counseling, the numbers tell a story of inclusivity, support, and hope. CCDC’s President Dr. Sherry Junette Tagle often reminds the community that “education is not merely about academic excellence—it is about equity, compassion, and empowerment”, and the college’s programs for women embody exactly that.

CCDC leaders often say that behind every statistic is a name and a face – a real person whose life has changed. Perhaps it’s Ana, who was once on the verge of dropping out because of financial strain, but now proudly holds a CHED-TES scholarship and carries a lighter load (both in tuition and in her heart). Or Lea, who battled anxiety in her first year until she joined an Ayowan peer support group and discovered she wasn’t alone. There’s also Mari, a young mother who benefitted from CCDC’s flexible policies and childcare facilities, proving to her own daughter that education has no expiration date. These are composite portraits, but they reflect the very real journeys of CCDC students. As one female graduate said on her graduation day, “CCDC didn’t just give me a diploma – they gave me the confidence to use it.”

In the end, the story of women’s access to education at Cordillera Career Development College is a story of community and resilience. It’s the scholarships easing burdens so women can learn fearlessly. It’s the mentors and counselors lighting the way during dark times, reminding students to keep going. It’s a college president who greets students in the hallway and a culture that says you belong here. With every empowered female student, CCDC inches closer to its vision of being “the center of quality education for culturally diverse and global learners” – a vision where no dream is too distant and no barrier too great for the women determined to rise. And as these empowered women go on to uplift their families and communities, the ripple effect of CCDC’s support will be felt for generations to come.

Inspiring, inclusive, and driven by a warm community spirit – CCDC is turning what once were distant dreams into vibrant realities for women across the Cordilleras. The message to every young woman with a dream is loud and clear: here, you are not just a student ID – you are a story in the making, and we are here to help you write it.

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Together, Let’s End Violence Against Women!

This November 25 to December 12, the CCDC joins the nation in the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), fostering awareness and action for a future free from violence and inequality.

The recurring campaign theme for 2022-2027 is “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines,” with the 2024 sub- theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” Let’s stand as one community, amplifying our voices against all forms of abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

💡 What can YOU do?

• Educate yourself and others about women’s rights.
• Report cases of violence to local authorities or hotlines.
• Empower survivors by supporting organizations and initiatives that advocate for women.
• Engage in conversations that challenge harmful gender norms.

📢 Follow us here for updates, activities, and ways to get involved in the campaign. Your participation can make a difference!

Together, we can create a safe, equitable, and empowering environment for all. 💜

#EndVAW #SafeSpacesForAll #UNiTEPhilippines #CCDCcares

Graduation Rates among Women Increases with Improved Student Services

In December 2023, 65.19% of the graduates were notably females from the different collegiate programs to include criminology, social work, teacher education, nursing, midwifery, law and business.

“In the criminology program, the department has noticed an increased number of female enrollees, with improved completion or graduation rates which we also attribute to the improved working conditions of women in the field of law enforcement,”  states Dean Dennis M. Butag, College of the Criminal Justice Education.

The increasing number of women graduates may also be indicative of the relative success and improvement in women participation in various programs that ensures the academic success of all students.  

 “While it is sad that our office still receive cases on violence against children and women, we have noted that more of these students, most especially women, are now more comfortable and open when it comes to seeking help and recognizing the signs of anxiety and depression”, shares Michelle Palongdias, Student Development Officer.

Alongside, Annabelle B. Gondales, VP Administration also shares that there is an improved efficiency in the reporting of cases and incidences as CCDC has strengthened its strategies in protecting the interest of parties involved in harassment cases, including those reporting these incidents.  This according to her, helps encourage parties to trust the systems in place to ensure a safe learning environment for all.

Institutionalizing Work-Life Balance in the Academe

For the past 31 years, CCDC prides itself in being a second home of students and of its employees.  Since then it has established various flexible practices that allow employees opportunities that will help them as they start their young families.

Aligned to the national laws and labor guidelines, CCDC is fully compliant with providing benefits for maternity, paternity, special leave benefits for women, solo parent leave, leave for victims of violence against women and their children.  In addition, CCDC provides more family-oriented benefits to include educational benefits for its employees and educational benefits for direct children to assure employees that dependents can avail of free tuition fee from Nursery to Grade 12, including some college degree programs.

In 2023 alone, 8 employees availed of maternity and paternity benefits which included extended leave days upon the request of the employees were granted by the school.

In collaboration with the CCDC Birthing Clinic, a duly licensed birthing facility used by the BS Midwifery program, child rearing and breastfeeding facility is provided and readily available for breastfeeding mothers, both students and employees.  

For toddlers, the CCDC Elementary Laboratory School Reading and Play room is also available for toddlers who are interested to play and read.  

All these special privileges are free of charge and have been enjoyed by employees for several years.

Empowering Global Learners and Promoting Equity

This trend continued in 2023, with an even higher percentage of women from first-generation backgrounds entering college. Wherein the proportion increased to 48.89%, with 71 out of 110 (64.54%) first-generation female students starting their college journey.

Founded in 1993, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) became the first private higher education institution among the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, and Kalinga, initially offering computer and vocational courses to over 100 students.

As it aims to be a center of quality education for diverse, global learners, providing holistic, accessible, and inclusive education to develop responsible global citizens and leaders. Committed to gender equality, CCDC goes beyond government mandates to integrate Gender and Development (GAD) in all its operations, aligning with the Philippines’ goals for inclusivity.

CCDC’s efforts include supporting first-generation female students, improving access, increasing senior female academics, and fostering a safe, inclusive environment. The institution’s gender and development initiatives promote equity, highlighting women’s contributions across various sectors and ensuring fair access to resources.

Proportion

The increasing proportion of first-generation female students at CCDC highlights a significant shift toward greater educational access for women from families with limited higher education backgrounds. In 2022, 45.94% of women comprised the total number of students beginning a degree, with 81 out of 147 (55.10%) being first-generation female students, marking them as the first women in their families to pursue higher education, breaking barriers to education and setting a powerful example for future generations. 

Access

In 2022, CCDC saw a 2.95% increase in female student enrollment, reflecting its commitment to gender equality through an Open Admission Policy that ensures all applicants, regardless of gender, are accepted. This inclusive approach is further supported by scholarship data, with women consistently making up more than half of both external and internal scholarship recipients in 2023, demonstrating the institution’s support for female academic success.

CCDC also promotes gender equality through career guidance sessions in local high schools, encouraging young women to pursue underrepresented fields like Criminology. These efforts challenge traditional gender roles, empowering women to break barriers and contribute to social and economic development in their communities.

Participation

The high representation of female senior academic staff at CCDC—65.78% in the first half of 2023 and 66.67% in the second half—significantly advances gender equality within the institution. 

This growing female leadership reflects CCDC’s commitment to a gender-inclusive environment, where women are encouraged to take on key roles. It fosters a more diverse and equitable academic culture, benefiting both students and the broader community by challenging gender norms and creating equal opportunities for growth.

Completion

The increase in female graduates at CCDC reflects significant progress in gender equality. In 2022, women made up 63.50% of all graduates, up from 45.22% in 2021. In STEM courses, 100% of graduates were women in 2022, up from 88% in 2021, showcasing women’s growing presence in traditionally male-dominated fields.

 In Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences, female graduates rose from 33.33% in 2021 to 60.11% in 2022, indicating greater gender balance across disciplines. These trends highlight the institution’s success in empowering women and promoting gender equality in education.

Welfare

Guided by the principles of gender equity, sensitivity, non-discrimination, and human rights, CCDC integrates these values into its governance, curriculum, student services, and activities. This commitment is outlined in the CCDC Student Handbook, which emphasizes the importance of gender mainstreaming in education and the protection of students from all forms of gender-related violence, abuse, and discrimination. The policies are designed to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

The impact of these efforts is clearly evident in the student body, where the proportion of female graduates has consistently risen. In 2022, there was a 6.36% increase in women’s graduation rates, this 2023, the rate increased by 17.62%. These figures show the growing empowerment of women within the institution. 

Moreover, in 2021, 73.22% of students who accessed mentoring and counseling services were female, and in 2022, this figure remained high at 57.47%, indicating that women are actively seeking support to excel in their studies.

CCDC’s gender-responsive policies also extend to its employees. The institution offers maternity leave benefits to female staff, with six employees availing of the benefit in 2021. Additionally, CCDC supports work-life balance for all employees by providing childcare facilities. These facilities are available for both students and staff, allowing parents to bring their children to campus and access spaces where they can safely play or study. This support helps create a more inclusive environment for those balancing family and work or study commitments.

Further reinforcing its commitment to gender equality, CCDC has clear policies that protect employees and students from discrimination. These policies ensure that individuals reporting discrimination are protected from any educational or employment disadvantage, fostering a fair and supportive environment for all.

In the wider community, CCDC’s inclusive approach has had a ripple effect, encouraging students—especially women—to pursue higher education and professional development in traditionally underrepresented fields, such as science, technology, economics, and mathematics.

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