CCDC Bolsters Inclusive Education with Anti-Discrimination Policy and ‘Ayowan’ Program

La Trinidad, Benguet – Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) is reinforcing its decades-long commitment to inclusive, anti-discriminatory education through robust policies and support programs. Marking 32 years since its founding vision of “Bringing Education Closer to the People,” CCDC continues to expand initiatives that empower students of all abilities to thrive. Two cornerstone efforts underscore this commitment: an Accommodation Policy for Students with Special Needs, and the Ayowan Program for Students – “Ayowan” being a local term meaning care – which provides comprehensive academic and psychosocial support. These initiatives, aligned with national laws and CCDC’s mission of holistic, accessible learning, ensure every student can pursue education in a safe and supportive environment.

Accommodation Policy: Accessible and Non-Discriminatory Education

Read More:  https://ccdc.edu.ph/special-needs-policy/

CCDC’s Accommodation Policy for Students with Special Needs (issued by the Office of the President in late 2024) lays out clear measures to foster an inclusive campus. Anchored on the college’s mission of holistic, accessible learning experiences, the policy is explicitly guided by national inclusive education laws. It affirms that CCDC will accommodate learners with disabilities to the fullest extent of the school’s resources. Key features of the policy include:

Legal Alignment: The policy aligns with Republic Act No. 11650 (Inclusive Education Act of 2022), R.A. 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons), Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (Accessibility Law), and CHED Memorandum Order No. 23 s.2000, among other laws. These laws inform the school’s standards for inclusion and accessibility.

Accessible Learning Facilities: CCDC ensures its learning environment is accessible to all. In compliance with R.A. 7277, the college gives priority to adaptive facilities and equipment – for example, providing tactile and Braille materials for visually impaired students and assistive audio devices for those with hearing impairments. Likewise, campus infrastructure follows the Accessibility Law’s principles so that buildings and classrooms are reachable, safe, and usable for persons with disabilities.

Procedural Safeguards: Consistent with R.A. 11650, the policy enforces procedural safeguards to protect students’ rights. Learners with disabilities and their parents/guardians are kept informed (in their mother tongue) of any educational decisions, and they participate in meetings on identification, placement, or program provision. The school also upholds confidentiality of personal information, requiring consent before sharing records among agencies. These steps ensure families are active partners in their education plans.

Protection from Discrimination and Abuse: The policy explicitly forbids any form of bullying, neglect, abuse, or discrimination against learners with disabilities on campus. CCDC vows to protect students with disabilities from harm as mandated by laws like R.A. 11650, R.A. 7277, the Anti-Bullying Act (R.A. 10627), and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (R.A. 7610). This guarantee reinforces that all students, regardless of ability, are entitled to a safe and dignified learning environment.

Priority Assistance: To further promote inclusion, CCDC provides priority services for students with special needs. The policy directs that these students have priority lanes when using campus facilities such as the cafeteria and during office transactions. In addition, they receive prompt assistance during emergencies and evacuations. By according priority attention, the college ensures that students with disabilities can access services quickly and comfortably alongside their peers.

“Ayowan” Program: Holistic Support for Student Well-Being

Read More:  https://ccdc.edu.ph/student-services/ayowan-program/

CCDC volunteer mentors and officials meet to finalize the Ayowan Program prior to its April 2023 launch.

Another flagship initiative is the Ayowan Program for Students, which embodies CCDC’s philosophy of compassionate, whole-person education. Launched in April 2023, “Ayowan” (a Kankana-ey term meaning care) is designed to provide tailored assistance to students based on their individual vulnerabilities – be they academic struggles, behavioral issues, or emotional and mental health challenges. The program ensures that no student is left behind due to life’s challenges.

Ayowan operates through a pool of volunteer mentors and counselors drawn from CCDC’s own faculty and staff. These trained volunteers offer their time to support students in need, and licensed guidance counselors are engaged for cases that involve sensitive or complex issues. Importantly, all Ayowan services are provided confidentially and on campus, in designated private venues such as departmental offices or the Guidance Office, to ensure comfort and privacy for students. Participation is voluntary – students can freely avail of help, and mentors render service out of commitment (with the administration providing recognition for their service).

The Ayowan Program offers a wide range of support services to cater to different student needs:

Academic Tutorials: One-on-one or group tutoring in reading, comprehension, and mathematics to help students overcome learning difficulties in these fundamental areas.

Academic Counseling: Personalized guidance sessions that help students develop effective study habits, plan their academic work, and navigate challenges in their coursework.

Talk Therapy: Informal talk therapy or “listening sessions” for students who may be dealing with stress, anxiety, or personal issues. These sessions allow students to speak with a caring mentor or counselor, gain emotional relief, and learn coping strategies.

Facilitated Family Sessions: Guided meetings between students and their parents or guardians, mediated by the Ayowan volunteers. These sessions aim to resolve issues at home that may be affecting the student’s academic progress or well-being.

Parent Consultation and Education: The program also reaches out to parents and guardians through academic information services. Parents receive information on the realities of their child’s schooling and how they can better support their education and behavior at home.

Additional Support Services: Depending on need, Ayowan can provide other forms of assistance such as regular monitoring and follow-up on a student’s status, spiritual support activities, and referrals to external services when necessary. Notably, all counseling – whether individual or group – is conducted with a gender-sensitive approach by licensed professionals, ensuring that guidance is respectful and inclusive of each student’s identity and context.

By addressing students’ academic and psychosocial needs in tandem, the Ayowan Program creates a safety net within the college. It has already shown tangible impact: in 2024, around 64 students received support through Ayowan, assisted by about 18 volunteer counselors, peer tutors, and mentors. Common concerns like academic difficulties, absenteeism, anxiety, or family issues are being met with compassion and practical help. CCDC’s Student Development Office coordinates referrals to Ayowan, so any teacher or dean who notices a struggling student can connect them to the program. From there, volunteers step in to mentor or counsel the student, with the focal Ayowan coordinators tracking each case’s progress. This community-driven initiative strengthens CCDC’s mission to nurture not only skilled professionals but also well-rounded, resilient individuals.

“For 32 years, CCDC, with its open admission, has witnessed how students from diverse backgrounds and capabilities, under proper guidance, have succeeded and passed licensure examinations and performed well in their workplaces,” says CCDC President Sherry Junette M. Tagle. This long experience underpins the college’s firm stance against discrimination. By instituting policies like the Accommodation Policy and programs like Ayowan, CCDC continues to cultivate an environment where every student – regardless of disability, background, or personal challenges – is given the opportunity and support to achieve their full potential.

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