UC College of Business Administration and DSWD-CAR Forge Strategic Partnership for Community Empowerment

by Joycelyn P. Ituriaga

Baguio City, August 18, 2025 — In a landmark move toward inclusive development, the University of the Cordilleras College of Business Administration (UC CBA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) officially sealed a strategic partnership at the UC Conference Room.

This collaboration is designed to strengthen capacity building and community development initiatives across the Cordillera region. Through joint programs, the partnership will empower local communities, enhance the capabilities of social workers and community leaders, and provide UC students with real-world opportunities to apply their business knowledge in service of public welfare.

Key Objectives:

Deliver training workshops and skills development sessions for DSWD personnel and community stakeholders.
Engage students in service-learning projects focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainable community solutions.
Promote research collaboration on poverty alleviation, livelihood programs, and inclusive economic growth.

Supporting the Global Goals

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promotes inclusive learning and practical education through community engagement.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Encourages entrepreneurship and skills development for sustainable livelihoods.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Strengthens local governance and community resilience.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Demonstrates effective collaboration between academia and government for sustainable development.

A Shared Vision

“This partnership reflects our commitment to academic social responsibility and the transformative power of education,” said a UC CBA representative. DSWD-CAR officials echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing regional challenges.

Together, UC CBA and DSWD-CAR are paving the way for a more empowered, educated, and resilient Cordillera.