Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to evidence-based local governance and policy development, the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) has successfully institutionalized its research partnership with the Municipal Government of La Trinidad. This formal collaboration was a result of a series of successful student research turnovers and initial discussions with the LGU.
Municipal Mayor Roderick Awingan initially welcomed multiple batches of completed empirical studies authored by CCDC College of Social Work students, noting that these documents will be archived in the municipal library to serve as vital reference materials for local legislation and community planning. Key research turnovers included:
- Studies focusing on marginalized groups and rehabilitation frameworks, including “Uncovering the Life of Former Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)”, “Exploring the Resiliency of Person with Disabilities in Managing Social and Financial Aspect”, and “Use of the Concept of Inayan in the Reintegration of Children in Conflict with the Law” (authored by BS Social Work students Judy Ann Ateo-an, Connell Botangen, Rochelle Dulnuan, Rochelle Gaddo, Daisy Paroway, and Mary Joy Sabeling). (Endorsed July 21, 2025)
- Policy-oriented sociological research such as “Exploring the Lived Experiences of Single Fathers in Raising their Children” (authored by Jaris Lyn Agmeyeng, Jairra Banita, Ahrmia Besic, Kenneth Guelbay, Aliah Mani, and Janet Tampoc), providing local legislators with nuanced data on parenting dynamics and community support systems. (Endorsed July 9, 2025)
Building upon the success of these initial research turnovers, the Municipality of La Trinidad and CCDC formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on research development on December 17, 2025. The signing brought together municipal representatives, including Mayor Roderick Awingan and Dr. Antonette Agpas, alongside CCDC delegates, including CCDC President Dr. Sherry Junette Tagle and Research Director Dr. Corazon Ocden.
The formalized partnership establishes a broader framework for producing institutional research responsive to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically targeting social welfare, public safety and crime prevention, health, disaster risk reduction and management, and tourism. Furthermore, Mayor Awingan recommended the regular public presentation of these studies to ensure that empirical findings reach the widest possible audience of local legislators, community workers, and policymakers.
