𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑮𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒓 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑫𝑼𝒀𝑶𝑮 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔

The J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) Guidance Office formally held the ceremonial soft launching of Project DUYOG—Developing an Understanding of Youth for Optimal Growth—on April 23, 2025, at the JHCSC Main Campus Audio-Visual Room(AVR). The initiative was launched by JHCSC Guidance Counselor Ms. Jonah T. Salaguste, RPm, RGC, with facilitation from the Student Peer Facilitator (SPF) Organization, led by President James F. Gudmalin. The event carried the theme “Empowering Minds, Strengthening Communities: Building Resilience Through Guidance and Support” and was fully supported by the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Vilma C. Grengia.

A wide network of institutional partners came together to support the project, including the Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) headed by its adviser, Ms. Perlaida Puno, RSW, MTSW; the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) under Mr. Jerry R. Redoblado, represented at the event by his staff; the Gender and Development (GAD) Office and Main Campus Director, Dr. Trinidad C. Abapo; and the JHCSC Health Services Unit, led by Dr. Joanne Happy C. Hadjirul and represented by Ms. Yannie Fontanilla. Also in support were the School of Arts and Sciences, the JHCSC Library headed by Ms. Rudylin C. Dayanan, and the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), led by Dean Dr. Jonno E. Tan, alongside SAS faculty, SPF members, and JSWAP officers.

In her speech, Ms. Salaguste presented a walkthrough of DUYOG’s core meaning and emphasized that the project is a community extension initiative designed to promote presence, connection, and service. She highlighted the importance of collective commitment to growth and giving back, especially to underserved sectors. “DUYOG is more than just a program—it is a movement driven by compassion and purpose,” she said. Dr. Grengia commended Ms. Salaguste for her leadership and expressed her full support for the endeavor.

Project DUYOG aims to provide responsive, integrated, and sustainable extension services to marginalized sectors, including the malnourished, persons with disabilities (PWDs), individuals living below the poverty line, and members of indigenous communities. During the ceremony, collaborators voiced their appreciation for the project’s vision and pledged ongoing support to ensure its implementation and long-term impact.

The event concluded with a collective commitment to advancing Project DUYOG’s mission. Main Campus Director Dr. Abapo also expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to uplift communities and foster resilience. With unified efforts from various sectors, JHCSC sets a strong example of how educational institutions can serve as catalysts for meaningful social change.