Nourishing Students, Empowering a Community: Inside CCDC’s Panbadangan Project

In a remote village of Benguet, the simple act of building a canteen has sparked hope and opportunity. The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) recently teamed up with local residents to construct a canteen at Cayapes Barrio School – a project aptly named Panbadangan, which means “helping each other” in the local Kankana-ey dialect. True to its name, this initiative was launched to make a meaningful impact not only on the students’ well-being but also on the livelihood of the entire community.

That new school canteen is now nourishing more than just hungry kids – it’s fueling local livelihoods too. Farmers and small business owners can supply the canteen with fresh produce and goods, earning a steady income to support their families. Meanwhile, students (especially those from low-income families) enjoy affordable, nutritious meals at school every day, ensuring they stay healthy and focused on learning. It’s a simple idea with powerful results: children get the nutrition they need for education, and the community gains a sustainable small business that benefits everyone.

CCDC’s Panbadangan Project stands as a shining example of partnership, compassion, and empowerment – a true reflection of the college’s mission to extend education beyond the classroom and transform lives through community collaboration. This spirit of “helping each other” defines many of CCDC’s outreach efforts. Whether it’s building a canteen in a rural school or mentoring students to start their own socially conscious café, the goal is the same: create sustainable jobs, inject resources into the local economy, and help address poverty. By championing inclusive growth and sustainable development, CCDC and its community partners are ensuring that every effort contributes to a brighter, more equitable future for all.

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