𝗖𝗖𝗗𝗖 – 𝗖𝗢𝗟 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

In its continuing commitment to nurture not only the intellect but also the heart and well-being of its learners, the Cordillera Career Development College – College of Law (CCDC-COL) and Linteg, organized a team-building activity and mental health session for law students ahead of the final examinations.

Grounded in CCDC’s vision of being “the center of quality education for culturally diverse and global learners,” the event served as a reminder that true excellence extends beyond academic rigor—it is also about fostering compassion, resilience, and self-awareness among future leaders.

Recognizing the pressures and challenges that law students often face, the activity aimed to create a space where they could unwind, connect, and strengthen their sense of community. The mental health session was led by Ricky B. Ducas, Head of the Baguio City Mental Health Unit, who shared valuable insights on stress management and the importance of proactive self-care. He reminded participants that maintaining one’s mental health is not a sign of weakness but a foundation for strength and success in both personal and professional life.

Following the talk, students participated in team-building activities that encouraged cooperation, leadership, and creative problem-solving skills essential not only in the legal profession but also in life. These activities brought laughter, renewed energy, and a sense of belonging, embodying CCDC’s mission of delivering holistic, accessible, and inclusive learning experiences.

The day concluded with a simple fellowship dinner, where students reflected on the lessons of the day—realizing that in supporting one another, they also sustain themselves.

Tiny Feet, Big Adventure! Exploring Nature’s Wonders with our Little Wonders 

In pursuit of holistic and inclusive learning, the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) Basic Education Department organized an Eco-Walk at Admiral’s Farm Park. The activity encouraged mindfulness, teamwork, and environmental awareness—helping students relax and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.

True to CCDC’s mission of delivering quality education and services through holistic, accessible, and inclusive learning experiences, the Eco-Walk reminded everyone that nature is not just a classroom, but also a healing space.

Understanding oneself and building healthy relationships are vital parts of growing up. To guide students through these meaningful journeys, the Student Development Office, in partnership with Elevate, hosted the #NotAlone Program on January 22, 2024 (Monday) for Junior High School students and other interested learners.

The activity aimed to help students navigate relationship challenges, develop self-awareness, and find strength in community and faith. The event featured Ms. Venus Raj-Orillan, Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up, along with Mr. Weng del Rosario and Mr. Ralph Ballesteros, who shared inspiring talks on love, self-worth, and respect.

Mr. Weng del Rosario spoke on #RelationshipGoals, highlighting that “Unhealthy relationships hurt almost every aspect of our life” and “We can’t properly love ourselves and others if we don’t know what love really is.” He emphasized that “Love is a commitment directed towards imperfect people, to seek their highest good, which often requires sacrifice,” and that “Right love involves acceptance with a right response.” He also distinguished the difference between love and lust, reminding students that true love involves commitment and care. His talk was essential in helping students understand the importance of preventing premarital and early-age intimate relationships. He further reminded them that forgiveness is key to moving forward, allowing one to live freely in the present and prepare for the future.

After his talk, the students gathered in small circles with their facilitators to process the lessons learned. Guided prompts helped them reflect deeply and internalize how these insights could shape their choices and relationships.

Ms. Venus Raj-Orillan followed with her talk on #TrueYou, where she shared her personal story of overcoming insecurities and discovering her purpose. She encouraged students not to be defined by their past experiences, failures, or others’ opinions, but instead to let God define who they are. Having been bullied because of her body frame and skin color, Ms. Raj revealed how these experiences led to insecurity and self-doubt. Yet, through faith, she found strength and meaning. She discussed the root causes of insecurity—the inner critic, abuse, and comparison—and reassured the audience that: Despite the inner critic, God is your guiding voice. Despite the abuse, God is your defender, and despite comparison, God is your maker.

She concluded her talk by sharing her longing for a biological father, but despite that, she found peace and love in her Heavenly Father. After her talk, students once again formed small groups with their facilitators to reflect and internalize the powerful message of identity, faith, and purpose.

Closing the series of talks, Mr. Ralph Ballesteros shared his insights through #RespetoLang, emphasizing the importance of respect as a foundation of character and harmonious relationships. His message reminded students that respect reflects both faith and love.

The #NotAlone Program successfully provided students with a safe space for learning, reflection, and faith-based growth. Through the inspiring messages of the speakers and the guided group reflections, the event strengthened the students’ understanding of love, respect, and identity.

Mind Matters: Navigating Mental Health in the CCDC Community

In a world where mental health is finally being recognized as vital as physical well-being, this initiative continues to lead the conversation through the two-day event, “Mind Matters: Navigating Mental Health in the CCDC Community.” Held on November 14–15, 2024, the event brought together students in a shared journey toward awareness, healing, and hope.

The first day of the event commenced at IYAMAN Hall with an insightful seminar led by Ma’am Irene Alcantara, a Guidance Counselor, and anchored on Dr. Martin Seligman’s PERMA Model of Well-being—Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments. The seminar inspired the audience with practical and heartfelt insights on managing stress, fostering resilience, and cultivating personal growth.

More than just a lecture, the session became an avenue for reflection and connection. The atmosphere radiated openness—proof that mental health discussions can flourish when compassion meets understanding. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the 451 students who attended! This event has planted the seeds of change, creating a foundation for lasting growth in mental health awareness. As Ma’am Irene Alcantara reminded everyone, “Be a social member that brings out the best in others.”

On the second day, the Student Center transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, mindfulness, and introspection. Students explored eight interactive stations, each designed to engage the senses and emotions, promoting mindfulness and positivity in meaningful ways.

At the Pop Your Stress booth, participants literally “popped” their worries away—releasing stress one balloon at a time. The Kumustahan Booth offered a warm and welcoming space where students could talk, listen, and simply be heard, reminding everyone that connection is the cornerstone of well-being. The Elevate Booth encouraged spiritual grounding through moments of prayer and reflection, nurturing inner peace and gratitude.

At the Post-it Wall, students expressed their thoughts and affirmations on colorful notes, symbolically leaving their burdens behind while filling the wall with hope and encouragement. The Life is Colorful Booth gave participants the chance to rediscover joy through art, painting their emotions and embracing life’s vivid spectrum. Meanwhile, the Paint Your Story Booth, one of the event’s highlights, allowed students to turn their emotions into empowering visuals—many proudly bore the semicolon (;) symbol, a sign of resilience and the quiet promise to “keep going.”

Participants also visited the Mindfulness Card Booth, where they picked cards with prompts for gratitude and reflection, fostering mindfulness and daily positivity. Finally, the Prize and Reflection Booth brought the event to a joyful close, celebrating participants not just with tokens but also with a moment to pause, reflect, and set new intentions for their mental health journey.

Ultimately, as students shared laughter and quiet realizations throughout the two days, one message became clear: mental health matters, and so does every person who walks through this campus.

Harnessing Inner Strength: Overcoming Obstacles

Over 200 Grade 7 and 8 students filled the gym with energy and curiosity during the talk initiated by the Student Development Office, “Harnessing Inner Strength: Overcoming Obstacles,” held on March 22, 2024. The event became more than just a lecture—it was an empowering experience that inspired young learners to look within themselves for courage, hope, and resilience.

As students begin navigating early adolescence, emotions often take the wheel, making it easy for rational decisions to be overshadowed by feelings. Recognizing this crucial stage of growth, the session aimed to guide them toward developing emotional awareness and inner strength. It encouraged the youth to make thoughtful choices that align with their goals and well-being, rather than being led by momentary emotions.

The discussion centered on the idea that every obstacle presents an opportunity to grow stronger. By learning how to draw strength from within, students were reminded that challenges—whether from family, academics, or personal struggles—can become stepping stones toward becoming better and braver individuals.

The activity reflected Cordillera Career Development College’s (CCDC) unwavering mission to deliver quality education and its vision to be a center of quality education for culturally diverse and global learners. True to this commitment, the talk went beyond academics—it nurtured the students’ emotional and moral resilience, preparing them not only for school challenges but for life’s greater tests.

By the end of the session, students walked away with brighter spirits and stronger hearts, realizing that inner strength is not about avoiding hardship, but about facing it with confidence, hope, and faith in themselves.

Indeed, the event proved that when education touches both the mind and the heart, it empowers learners to become resilient individuals ready to take on the world.

Raising the Next Generation: Effective Parenting Style for Today’s World

“Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first.” – Matthew Jacobson

In response to the growing complexities of modern parenting, the seminar was held on August 9, 2024, at the Tupay-ya Sports Complex, attended by Junior High School parents. The activity aimed to help parents understand modern parenting approaches that promote the holistic development of their children. It also served as a service to students, as guiding and educating parents helps create a more supportive home environment where learners can grow emotionally, socially, and academically.

Ms. Ylona Veronica A. Bayon, a psychologist, psychometrician, and professional teacher, served as the resource speaker. She discussed how effective parenting today requires a balance of warmth, discipline, and adaptability to the challenges presented by technology, shifting family roles, and mental health concerns. Parents were encouraged to practice open communication, positive discipline, and empathy in raising their children.

The session provided parents with both research-based grounding and practical tools. Drawing from this, Ms. Bayon encouraged parents to balance warmth and structure, fostering open communication and mutual respect within the family. This collaborative atmosphere emphasized the community’s shared responsibility in raising well-rounded and compassionate individuals.

Anchored in the mission to deliver quality education and aligned with its vision of being a center of quality education for culturally diverse and global learners, the program extended the institution’s educational commitment beyond the classroom. By empowering parents with psychological literacy and practical parenting skills, CCDC continues to uphold its goal of holistic education—one that nurtures not only the minds of students but also the values and capacities of the families that guide them.

In an era of constant change, “Raising the Next Generation” reaffirmed a timeless truth: effective parenting is not about control, but about connection.

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