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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Kimberlyn M. Valdez
Photos from: Ms. Kareen Lozada (CPU SW Department Chairperson)

 

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