La Trinidad, Benguet — Demonstrating their commitment to community service and environmental responsibility, Criminology students and members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) of Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) joined hundreds of volunteers in the Municipality of La Trinidad’s declogging of creeks and waterways initiative.
The activity was conducted in response to the call of Municipal Mayor Roderick Chiok Awingan as part of the local government unit’s initial efforts to help mitigate flooding in identified areas of the valley. According to the Mayor, the initiative serves as an immediate measure while concerned offices prepare more comprehensive action plans to address flooding concerns.
Volunteers from various government agencies, educational institutions, barangays, and community organizations worked together to clear clogged creeks and waterways. Their collective efforts reflected the spirit of Binnadang, the local expression of the Filipino tradition of bayanihan, which emphasizes cooperation, solidarity, and shared responsibility for the welfare of the community.
CCDC was represented by its Criminology students and ROTC members, who joined participants from the Provincial Local Government Unit of Benguet, Benguet State University ROTC, King’s College of the Philippines College of Criminal Justice Education and ROTC, and University of the Cordilleras interns assigned to Barangay Balili. Officials and staff from Barangays Balili, Pico, and Poblacion also took part in the initiative, alongside local associations, private establishments, and construction service providers.
The participation of CCDC students highlights the importance of extending learning beyond the classroom through meaningful community involvement. By taking part in initiatives that address local environmental and public safety concerns, students demonstrate discipline, teamwork, civic consciousness, and a willingness to contribute to the common good.
The activity also underscored the importance of collaboration among local government units, educational institutions, businesses, and residents in responding to community challenges. While declogging efforts can help improve water flow in affected waterways, sustained maintenance, proper waste disposal, and coordinated flood-mitigation measures remain essential to reducing flood risks.
The Municipality of La Trinidad also expressed its appreciation to Valley Bread and Keana Jean Store for providing snacks to the volunteers, as well as to all participating groups and individuals who contributed their time and effort to the initiative.
Through the active participation of its Criminology students and ROTC members, CCDC continues to uphold the values of service, responsibility, and community partnership. Their involvement exemplifies how collective action can help build safer, cleaner, and more resilient communities.Together, through the spirit of Binnadang, we can make a difference in protecting our environment and strengthening our community.
