Atok, Benguet – September 12, 2025
by Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Director for Research
The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), University of Baguio (UB), Baguio Central University (BCU), and Easter College Inc. (ECI), collectively known as the C.U.B.E. partnership, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Atok at the Municipal Hall. The alliance seeks to strengthen academic and community collaboration through the consortium’s core pillars of Community Extension, Research Initiatives, and Quality Assurance. The ceremony was attended by municipal officials including the Municipal Mayor Hon. Franklin L. Smith together with Tourism Officer, SB Secretary, and NCIP Officer, along with the eight barangay captains of Pasdong, Balway, Topdac, Poblacion, Abiang, Naguey, Caliking, and Paoay.
The Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), University of Baguio (UB), Baguio Central University (BCU), and Easter College Inc. (ECI), collectively known as the C.U.B.E. partnership, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Atok at the Municipal Hall. The alliance seeks to strengthen academic and community collaboration through the consortium’s core pillars of Community Extension, Research Initiatives, and Quality Assurance. The ceremony was attended by municipal officials including the Municipal Mayor Hon. Franklin L. Smith together with Tourism Officer, SB Secretary, and NCIP Officer, along with the eight barangay captains of Pasdong, Balway, Topdac, Poblacion, Abiang, Naguey, Caliking, and Paoay.
In his welcome remarks, Hon. Franklin L. Smith presented the basic demographic profile of Atok and emphasized the need to boost research, tourism, and related initiatives that will help the municipality gain recognition. He underscored the Cordilleran value of “inayan”—unity and responsibility—affirming that one Cordillera spirit must guide the partnership for the benefit of the people.
Representatives from the C.U.B.E. institutions expressed their commitment to the partnership. Dr. Elma D. Donaal of BCU highlighted the importance of community linkages in making research more impactful. Dr. Sherry Junette M. Tagle, President of CCDC, explained the origins of C.U.B.E. and encouraged both academic institutions and partner communities to help achieve its goals. Ms. Jessica Balag-ey, Research Director of ECI, delivered the message of President Dr. Cleofe P. Kollin, who conveyed enthusiasm for the various collaborative activities to be undertaken. Dr. Janice K. Lonogan, Vice President for Academic Affairs of UB, reiterated the mission of UB to serve the needs of Cordillerans, stressing that C.U.B.E. goes beyond academic work to provide livelihood training, legal aid, health programs aligned with the Universal Healthcare Act, literacy initiatives, and disaster risk reduction. She concluded by saying these services must move “from paper to action,” adding, “Gawis ay Benguet, Gawis ay Cordillera.”
Following the reading of the MOA, Hon. Recto T. Elias, representing the Sangguniang Bayan, expressed gratitude for choosing Atok as a partner community and called the agreement the beginning of broader partnerships across Benguet municipalities. NCIP representative Mr. Arwin P. Angway likewise extended support, assuring that the agency is ready to participate in program implementation. The barangay captains also welcomed the partnership and expressed eagerness to see the proposed initiatives materialize.
The event concluded with a consultation among barangay leaders and stakeholders to identify priority projects that are both feasible and sustainable. With the MOA sealed, the C.U.B.E.–LGU Atok partnership sets a strong foundation for extension programs, research-driven development, and continuous quality assurance, affirming the united vision of Cordillera institutions and communities in promoting education, empowerment, and lasting progress.
