Synergy in Excellence: Saint Mary’s University Formally Welcomes CCDC Delegation for Institutional Benchmarking and MOA Signing

BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — March 25, 2026 — In a vibrant demonstration of academic solidarity, Saint Mary’s University (SMU) officially formalized its partnership with the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) of La Trinidad, Benguet. SMU warmly accepted this collaboration as part of its proactive commitment to regional educational leadership and its dedication to fostering a culture of “neighbor-helping-neighbor” among Higher Education Institutions. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) marks a significant milestone in regional collaboration, specifically designed to support CCDC in its mission to deliver quality education through Holistic, Accessible, and Inclusive Learning (HAIL) experiences. By embracing this partnership, SMU reinforces its role as a catalyst for academic improvement, creating a strategic bridge between the two institutions to enhance program relevance and institutional effectiveness through the shared pursuit of nurturing culturally and environmentally sensitive global leaders.

The SMU community was honored to receive a distinguished delegation from CCDC, led by the esteemed Dean of the College of Business Education and Administration, Dean Rovelyn Antonio. The visiting party included a dedicated team of academic leaders and specialists, namely Ms. Shirley Sabling, Dr. Ayson Depayso, Dr. Marthyna Atinan, Ms. Venus Labbutan, Ms. Meriam Gapad, Ms. Jean Langan, Ms. Faye Aranca, Ms. Jaqueline Acod, and Mr. Clint-lee Kigues. Upon their arrival, the visitors were warmly received by the SMU Administration, signaling a high-level commitment to the success of this collaborative venture. The subsequent intensive benchmarking session was expertly facilitated by Dr. Regina Ramel, who led the discourse on academic excellence and institutional standards.

Rooted in the SMU Core Values of Communion and Collaboration, this benchmarking activity transformed administrative protocols into a meaningful exchange of institutional wisdom. By opening its doors to the CCDC delegation, Saint Mary’s University demonstrated Mission Excellence through the sharing of best practices in its Entrepreneurship, Office Administration, Hospitality, and Tourism Management programs, complemented by an ocular inspection of its laboratories and instructional facilities. This holistic look at the university’s operations also provided insights into Research and Development, Extension and Community Engagement, Student Services, Library Resources, and Planning and Quality Assurance processes. Ultimately, by providing these technical insights to support CCDC’s HAIL mission, SMU fulfills its sense of Service and Social Responsibility, ensuring its high standards serve as a catalyst for quality education and the greater good of the Filipino studentry.

Beyond local values, the collaboration between SMU and CCDC directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, it advances SDG 4: Quality Education by benchmarking curriculum, research, and student services to ensure programs remain relevant, rigorous, and student-centered. It also serves as a premier example of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting how institutional cooperation can bridge gaps in resources and knowledge to create a sustainable network of educators committed to excellence.

As the delegates explored the campus facilities and laboratories, the atmosphere remained one of mutual respect, peace, and goodwill. As Saint Mary’s University looks toward the future, it stands proud alongside Cordillera Career Development College, confident that this exchange of innovative practices and quality standards will yield a harvest of empowered graduates ready to serve as responsible global citizens.