CCDC to host grand homecoming

By Karlston Lapniten

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- All roads lead to the Strawberry Valley here this April for former and current students and employees of Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC).
    Following a brief hiatus, the longest running private higher education institution in Benguet will be hosting its grand alumni homecoming on April 4 as part of its 30th founding anniversary celebration.
    The last Admirals homecoming for the grassroots took place in 2018 according to CCDC Founding Chairman James Malaya.
    The pandemic halted all social gatherings from 2020 to 2022, making it not possible for the school to continue its homecoming tradition.
    "The homecoming serves as an avenue for all those who made CCDC as their home away from home – be it as a student or an employee – to get together and catch-up, rekindle and nurture friendships or make some," said Malaya.
    The program, which starts in the afternoon, is expected to draw hundreds into the Admirals Gym.
Prior to the program, in the morning, the school will host its "CCDC Got Talent," named after the renowned game show, where students will showcase their talents in music and arts.
    A day before, the school will hold a thanksgiving mass, followed by a program attended by cultural presentations and a recognition ceremony.
    CCDC's theme this year is "Grateful @30: Flourishing in the New Era with Excellence, Commitment, and Synergy."
    Malaya said CCDC was officially registered as a corporation on April 6, 1993. However, the date falls on a Holy Thursday, prompting the schedule to be moved earlier.
    The operation of CCDC started during the summer term of 1993 in rented classrooms of the Pelizloy Centrum at Km. 5, La Trinidad, Benguet with 59 students enrolled in modular computer courses, review class for the NTC examination, a typing class and remedial classes for grade school pupils in reading, writing and arithmetic.
    Now, it has grown to over 4,000 in student and staff population from pre-elementary until graduate school courses.