Cebu Technological University (CTU) officially began its Psychological First Aid (PFA) intervention on October 8, 2025, as part of a three-day initiative to support students and employees from CTU Daanbantayan Campus and its extension campuses in San Remigio and Tabogon, as well as CTU Danao Campus—all of which were affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30.
The first day of the program was conducted at CTU Tabogon and CTU San Remigio Extension Campuses, where a total of 59 participants received immediate psychological care. This included 26 students and faculty members in Tabogon, and 33 participants in San Remigio, composed of 20 students and 13 employees.
The sessions were facilitated by CTU’s team of licensed psychometricians and guidance counselors, who provided comfort, stabilization, and coping strategies to help prevent long-term psychological distress among survivors of the calamity.
Based on data gathered during the PFA sessions, facilitators identified participants who needed referral to their respective Local Government Units (LGUs) for additional medical, psychological, psychiatric, or financial support, ensuring that those with greater needs receive continued assistance beyond the immediate intervention.
Aside from conducting PFA sessions for students and employees, the team will also hold a training program for professors in CTU Danao Campus to equip them with the knowledge and skills to facilitate localized PFA, thereby strengthening the university’s long-term capacity for psychosocial support.
To complement the initiative, DevCom professors distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on PFA and practical tips for managing stress and trauma after disasters.
Participants also received relief packs prepared by CTU Main’s Quick Response Team (QRT) with support from external partners, including Autism Safe and the Center for International Scholarly Resources.
The PFA intervention, running from October 8 to 10, 2025, is spearheaded by Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Romeo Montecillo, with the dedicated efforts of the Guidance Services Center, headed by Ms. Jerame Nacua, and the Department of Psychology-CTU Main, represented by Dr. Michelle Trangia.
Serving as main facilitators were licensed guidance counselors (RGC) and registered psychometricians (RPm):
• Dr. Michelle Trangia – RGC and RPm, CTU Main
• Ms. Catherine Ross Degula – RGC and RPm, CTU Main
• Ms. Jeel Christine de Egurrola – RPm, CTU Main
• Ms. Pearl Jane Bongcales – RPm, CTU Main
• Ms. Jerame R. Nacua – RGC, CTU Main
• Ms. Roqlyn Silverado – RPm, CTU Barili
• Mr. Denricks Tecson – RPm, CTU Main
• Ms. Gelly-Ann C. Bañares – RGC, CTU Daanbantayan
• Ms. Mildred Malapongit – RGC, CTU Danao
• Dr. Rosemarie Abayon- RGC, CTU Danao
• Mr. Rolando Montecillo – Guidance Associate, CTU CCmSC
Supporting the initiative as co-facilitators for documentation and information dissemination were:
• Prof. Junas Flores – DevCom Professor
• Prof. Eva Jonah Mari Enojas – DevCom Professor
• Mr. Carl Patrick Baculi – DevCom Professor
It is also carried out in collaboration with the Information and Communications for Public Affairs (ICPA) under University Director Prof. Junas Flores, and the University Director for Student Media, Publications and Other Related Programs and Services Eva Jonah Mari Enojas, with Mr. Carl Patrick Baculi serving as volunteer documenter and co-facilitator.
Through this initiative, CTU underscores its commitment to holistic public service—extending not only academic guidance but also emotional and psychological support to its community in times of crisis.
