CCDC ranks among world’s green universities

In its maiden entry, Cordillera Career Development College ranked among the green universities across 105 countries in the 2025 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings released this December 5.

CCDC ranked 1,089th out of 1,745 participating universities which is 642nd in Asia and 56th in the Philippines. 

The UI GreenMetric is a ranking on green campus and environmental sustainability initiated by Universitas Indonesia in 2010. Through 58 indicators in 6 criteria, UI GreenMetric determined the rankings by universities’ environmental commitment and initiatives.

“We are thrilled to be ranked among the world’s green advocates. It is a motivation for CCDC to push for more green interventions and innovations,” said President Sherry Junette Tagle.

Among the green innovations CCDC employed over the past several years are the installment of a solar power system to augment its energy needs; setting up water catchment reservoir; incorporation of ecological awareness in academic activities; engaging accredited entities in transporting and disposing hazardous and non-hazardous wastes; and strictly banning single use plastics.

Beyond the rankings, Tagle said among the goals of CCDC for joining the UI GreenMetric is to learn and adapt best green practices from other schools as well as share its own.

The first university ranking system in the world focused on sustainability, UI GreenMetric has now become the world’s largest global network for sustainable campuses.

“We are looking at possible collaborations with other universities especially those situated in Asia, not only in terms green innovations but in all aspects of education,” said the President.  

Earlier this June, Tagle met with various university heads and forged separate Academic Cooperation Protocols with Ankara University in Turkey, University of Limpopo in South Africa, and Lingnan University in Hong Kong.*

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1st MSME Business Expo: Promoting and Building Partnerships

In celebration of the 31st founding anniversary of the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) with the theme “GRASSROOTS TO GLOBAL: Breaking New Grounds on Firm Foundations”, academic departments of CCDC conducted its 1st MSME Business Expo: Promoting and Building Partnerships with a Business Talk and a Bookkeeping Seminar under Sumika-Sika Tako Series. The activities took place at the Students Open Lounge, Tupay-ya Complex entrance, and CCDC Board Room last March 7-23, 2024, from 8:00am to 5:00pm. It involved a collaborative participation between the Community-Based Education School (CES) of the College of Business Education and Administration (CBEA) with the Graduate School’s Capability and Research Engagement (CaRE), College of Law’s Community Legal Aid Center (CLAC) and the College of Accountancy (COA). It was open to the community, especially:

• students with small businesses,
• employees with home-made businesses,
• micro and small business owners,
• cooperatives, women’s associations,
• the adopted community of Banayakeo and Cayapes, and
• other MSMEs.

A business expo for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is a strategic platform for growth, innovation, and networking. It brings together MSMEs, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, facilitating knowledge exchange, market access, and partnership opportunities. The expo aimed to address the challenges MSMEs face in accessing markets, technology, and finance. It promotes visibility, brand recognition, and market presence, enabling MSMEs to scale up, innovate, and contribute to socio-economic development.

Key participants in the expo included:

• Load Manna Consumer Cooperative (LMCC): A consumer cooperative in Benguet formed by Load Manna E-Loading Dealers and Retailers.
• Benguet State University (BSU) BS Entrepreneurship Students: Adding an element of academic innovation, students from the BSU BS Entrepreneurship program showcased their creative outputs, featuring innovative food products, and clothing lines infused with a Cordilleran touch.
• CCDC Employees: Employees utilized the platform to exhibit and market their homemade products.
• CCDC 4th Year BS Entrepreneurship Students: CBEA students demonstrated their technical knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit by displaying their projects in hydroponic farming, highlighting sustainable and modern agricultural techniques of the Cordillera region.

Business Talks
The CBEA hosted a Business Talk seminar attended by CBEA students and facilitated by experts from DOST and DTI. Dr. Sheila Marie Singa-Clever, Provincial Director of PST under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), discussed their Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). This nationwide program provides technical assistance and funding to MSMEs to adopt technological innovations, improve product quality, and increase productivity and competitiveness. Also, Ms. Shyna Tuazon, a business counselor from the Negosyo Center of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), discussed crucial aspects of Product Labeling and Packaging. DTI, through its Negosyo Centers, frequently holds sessions on this topic, which is vital for MSMEs to comply with regulatory requirements and enhance their marketability.

Bookkeeping Seminar
A bookkeeping seminar which was handled by the College of Accountancy, through their resource speaker Ms. Jaleh Lomirez, is a valuable educational opportunity for individuals and small business owners to understand basic accounting principles and bookkeeping practices. This knowledge can help entrepreneurs manage their finances, scale operations, attract investors, and seek financing. It equips participants with the skills and resources needed for financial success and stability. The College of Law’s CLAC provided on-site legal assistance to MSMEs on necessary business regulatory requirements and other legal concerns.

The activities conducted underscores CCDC’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aimed to venture into new partnerships with the local community and provide an avenue for our stakeholders to gain experience and promote their businesses for the community to appreciate (SDG 1, SDG 2). Similarly, students’ participation is widely appreciated for the success of these activities for the reason that they are invited to showcase and market their innovative products (SDG 4, SDG 8).

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Sustainable and Healthy Food Choices at CCDC

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability through responsible food sourcing and the promotion of local products. Recognizing the importance of supporting community producers while providing nutritious options for students and staff, CCDC ensures that its campus food establishments prioritize homegrown and sustainably sourced ingredients.

One prime example of this initiative is the Kampaw Station Café and Restaurant, which proudly serves Admirals Farm Park Homegrown “Cinnamon Roast” Coffee—an organic, hand-picked, and manually roasted blend produced locally in Puguis, La Trinidad

By featuring locally cultivated coffee, CCDC not only celebrates Cordilleran craftsmanship but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

In addition, CCDC promotes plant-based and locally grown produce through its Vegetable Day program for Basic Education, held every Wednesday and Friday. This practice encourages healthy eating among students while supporting nearby farmers who provide fresh, seasonal vegetables.

These initiatives align with the college’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By integrating sustainability into its food services, CCDC ensures that every meal served reflects its dedication to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

Through its sustainable dining practices, CCDC demonstrates that small, consistent efforts—such as sourcing from local farms and choosing organic, homegrown products—can make a significant impact. The college remains steadfast in fostering a campus culture that values health, sustainability, and support for local enterprise.

Read More:https://ccdc.edu.ph/els-pupils-continue-to-practice-vegetable-day/

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Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

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Faculty Development Seminar Empowers CCDC College of Health Education

LA TRINIDAD—With the start of classes fast approaching, faculty members at the CCDC College of Health Education (CHE) are prepared to inspire their students. This renewed sense of purpose comes after a faculty development seminar held on August 4, 2025 at the CCDC Microteaching Laboratory.

Dean Marivel D. Munoz of the CHE department shared her enthusiasm, “We’re now more ignited to teach and ready to inspire our 1,000+ CHE students in Nursing, Midwifery, and Pharmacy.”

The seminar, a collaborative effort between the CHE and the Guidance and Human Resource offices, was facilitated by Ralph and Myra Ballesteros from Elevate La Trinidad. The theme, “Bridging Differences while Re-charging our Passion for Education,” focused on promoting understanding, acceptance, and unity among educators.

This professional development was particularly timely given the growing student population in the CHE department. Faculty members recognized the need to effectively promote inclusivity while maintaining their passion for teaching, acknowledging that differences in culture, beliefs, and learning styles among students and colleagues can be valuable opportunities for growth.

The seminar successfully created a supportive environment, reminding educators of their crucial role in student success and emphasizing the importance of their own mental and emotional well-being.

CCDC retains THE Impact ranking

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET – Cordillera Career Development College maintained its ranking among the world’s highest-performing universities in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings results released on June 17, 2025.

On its second year of participation, CCDC kept its standing in the 1001-1500 ranking bracket out of 2,318 colleges and universities across the globe. 

THE Impact Rankings measure the contributions of higher education institutions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through a rigid competency assessment.

This year, CCDC participated in six of the 17 SDG categories, adding one more category from its first participation last year.

“CCDC is continuously improving and developing in line with its vision as a center of quality education for culturally diverse and global learners,” said CCDC President Sherry Junette Tagle.

Tagle is part of the Philippine delegation organized by the Commission on Higher Education to the THE Impact Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025 at the Istanbul Congress Center, Turkey where the results were announced.

She was also among the speakers tapped for one of the sessions in the congress discussing how Philippine university leaders are steering sustainable transformation.

CCDC’s ranking in the SDG 1 remained at the 301-400 bracket, while it improved its ranking in SDG 3 from 1,001+ to the 801-1,000 bracket and in SDG 5 from 601-800 to 401-600 bracket.

Its ranking in SDG 16 and SDG 17 slightly dropped to 601-800 and 1501+, respectively, while its new category entry for SDG 10 earned a ranking at 1001+ bracket.

At the sideline of the THE Impact congress, Tagle met with various university heads and forged separate Academic Cooperation Protocols with Ankara University in Turkey, University of Limpopo in South Africa, and Lingnan University in Hong Kong. 

The protocols between the universities aimed to establish collaborations in the academic as well as cultural aspects. 

These protocols include the sharing academic knowledge and experience; academic staff exchange; student exchange; exchange in publications and materials; and joint research projects and the organization of joint scientific meetings.

With the establishment of the three protocols, Tagle is optimistic towards similar engagements with other higher education institutions from other countries in the near future.

She said these international collaborations will immensely aid in the advancement of the school’s programs and institutions as well as mutually impart its own best practices and initiatives to partner institutions. 

Coincidentally starting last year, CCDC has been promoting its tagline “Grassroots to Global” which reflects its commitment to its origins as a local institution while expanding its reach and impact on a global scale. It represents CCDC’s dedication to providing quality education rooted in the Cordillera region while also preparing students for a diverse and interconnected world.

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.”

Six Cordillera Towns Complete MLDP course

Six municipalities from across Cordillera region underwent and completed the Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) on June 20 in Sagada, Mountain Province.

The completers are the Benguet municipalities of  Atok, Bokod, and Mankayan; Hingyon, Ifugao; Lagayan, Abra; and host town Sagada.

Dubbed “Bayang Malusog,” the program aims to bolster the leadership and governance capacities of municipal mayors and key officials to cope with the demands of implementing universal healthcare.

All local chief executives and committee on health councilors, as well as municipal health officers, of the said municipalities attended the event.

In attendance are mayors Franklin Smith (Atok), Thomas Wales (Bokod), and Dario Banario (Mankayan); Florencio Nalula (Hingyon); Edmarc Crisologo (Lagayan); and Felecito Dula (Sagada).

Newly-appointed DOH Cordillera Regional Director Ferdinand Benbenen also graced the occasion.

The six towns were the second batch in the program jointly offered by the Department of Health (DOH) and Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), in collaboration with The Zuellig Family Foundation.

The first batch of towns to graduate the MLDP course are the Ifugao towns of Aguinaldo and Asipulo; Balbalan, Kalinga; Bontoc, Mt. Province; and Buguias, Benguet.

“We hope the program can generate adaptive responses in addressing emerging and persistent challenges, especially in the implementation of the Universal Health Care,” said CCDC President Sherry Junette Tagle, who was also among the facilitators.

After the two-day course, the municipalities drafted their own strategies in strengthening stakeholder relationships for sustained implementation of the Universal Health Care and design action plans to address the remaining challenges in its implementation.

The MLDP consists of two modules of in-person training, hands-on activities, expert-led sessions, mentorship, and final presentation events spread out over a year.

While the course is offered through the DOH Cordillera’s Local Health Systems Section, the resource persons and facilitators are from CCDC.*

THE Impact ranks CCDC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CCDC ranked Top 300 Global Innovative Universities

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET – On its second year of ranking, Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) was declared among the top global universities with innovative programs for 2024.

The World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) ranked CCDC as the 146th top university in the shortlisted 300 universities from all over the world at 4th HLU Conference in Franklin University, Switzerland this June 7, 2024.

CCDC is the only school in the Cordillera Region in the Top 150.

CCDC’s program on leadership in advancing universal health care with the Department of Health and Zuellig Family Foundation was ranked 10th in the Leadership Category.

The category checks if the educational institution emphasizes whether the existing leadership relinquishes its privilege and continually adapts and innovates to remain effective and influential in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.

Meanwhile, CCDC’s program on engaging alumni for international virtual internship with Education Centre of Australia (ECA) was ranked 13th in the Funding Category which focuses on the innovative approach of a university to raise funds by exploring diversified funding streams and adopting new methods.

Lastly, the school’s program which ushered entrepreneurship success in the local poultry industry was ranked 18th in the Entrepreneurship Spirit Category which verifies if the university’s program encompasses a range of elements and initiatives that collectively foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation.

“This global recognition from WURI is a testament to CCDC’s commitment to provide a wide array of innovative learning opportunities for students, beyond classroom instruction, while making a strong and relevant impact to the community,” said school president Sherry Junette Tagle.

Last year, CCDC was listed 122nd in the overall ranking system.

WURI assesses higher education institutions’ real contributions to industry and society, highlighting innovative education, research, and engagement to society. Using 13 categories, it encompasses innovation targets and methods, offering a comprehensive measure of institutions’ creative contributions to societal advancement.

The ranking aims to spotlight higher education institutions that excel in these innovative approaches, thereby inspiring advancements across the academic and societal landscape. *