𝗖𝗧𝗨-𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗘-𝗦𝗞𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀

Cebu Technological University–Main Campus, College of Education, celebrates a remarkable milestone as its GAA-funded community extension project E-SKOLAR (Embracing Struggles, Keep On Learning, Adapt Resiliently), led by Dr. Melona C. Deguma, was recognized as the Best Research Paper during the 2nd Virtual National Research Congress of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA) held last March 20–21, 2025. Adding to this distinction, Dr. Deguma was also hailed as the Best Research Presenter in the same prestigious event.

The PGCA, the country’s accredited professional organization for registered guidance counselors, serves as the premier body advocating for mental health and psychosocial development in the Philippines. Its annual research congress offers a platform for guidance counselors and mental health professionals to showcase studies that contribute to national development through innovative counseling practices, community engagement, and educational leadership.

Dr. Deguma’s presentation focused on the research foundation of the E-SKOLAR extension initiative—a timely and responsive program aimed at enhancing grit and adaptive learning among pre-service working scholars in the age of artificial intelligence. Grounded in the values of perseverance, resilience, and purpose-driven education, the project responds to the growing challenges faced by young learners in balancing academic demands with socioeconomic responsibilities.

Implemented in Cebu Province in partnership with Cebu Caritas, Inc. under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Alex Cola, E-SKOLAR provided 40 hours of intensive training to 15 working scholars (3 males, 12 females). With a total project cost of Php 53,065.00, the initiative was collaboratively delivered through the academic expertise of faculty and students from the BSED Values Education, MAEd Guidance and Counseling, and Dev.Ed.D. in Guidance and Counseling programs of the College of Education.

This national recognition underscores CTU’s unwavering commitment to community service, transformative research, and the holistic development of learners, proof that even in the face of adversity, embracing struggles becomes the foundation for meaningful learning and national healing.