Rizal Technological University (RTU) earned top recognition at the International Extension Congress (IEC) 2025 for the outstanding project paper “RTU and DSWD INA Healing Center: Grief and Bereavement Intervention Program”, winning the 1st Place Best Paper Award under the Culture, Social, and Behavioral Sciences theme. The congress, organized by the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers, Inc. (PAEPI), recognizes innovative solutions and interventions to community challenges and provides a platform for the best practices in extension work.

Presented by Asst. Prof. Christian Paul Pagal and Asst. Prof. Irish Cristelle Destura, Department of Psychology faculty members under the College of Arts and Sciences, the paper showcased the university’s meaningful contribution, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – INA Healing Center, to grief recovery efforts which addresses the critical need for accessible grief and bereavement services, particularly for families coping with the loss of a child, in communities with limited access to mental health care. 

Initiated in 2019, the program mobilized licensed psychometricians and guidance counselors from the Psychology Department to provide psychological assessments, direct interventions, and peer mentor training. The initiative is anchored on the Intervention Mapping (IM) Framework, ensuring a structured and evidence-based approach to healing and recovery. Since its inception, the program has served 135 individuals, delivered tailored interventions to 23 clients across Metro Manila, and produced a revised Grief Recovery Manual to enhance program delivery.

The success of the project is attributed to the collaborative efforts of two key working groups. The Assessment Group was led by Asst. Prof. Mary Beth C. Miranda, with members Asst. Prof. Dynehgre Casasola-Villavicencio, Asst. Prof. Irish Cristelle Destura, Asst. Prof. Christian Paul Pagal, and Mr. Joshua Quinto. The Intervention Group was led by Dr. Rodrigo D.P. Tomas, with members Asst. Prof. Russelle Ane Dela Cruz and Asst. Prof. Emmanuelle Santiago.

This national recognition affirms RTU’s commitment to socially responsive research-based extension programs and underscores the value of academic-government partnerships in addressing pressing community needs. With this award, RTU continues to inspire and lead in promoting mental health and emotional recovery as part of inclusive and transformative community development.

By: ECSO