Psychology and Human Services Faculty and Students Earn Awards at PGCA-Tarlac’s 6th Annual Conference

Faculty members and fourth-year students of the Tarlac State University Department of Psychology and Human Services received recognition for their research contributions and presentations during the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA)–Tarlac Chapter’s 6th Annual Conference. The department also celebrated the election of three faculty members to key leadership positions in the chapter for 2026.

Dr. Editha Villavicencio, together with her co-researchers Dr. Jazmin Joy E. Dizon and Ms. Angela Christinne V. Pangilinan, received the Best Paper Presenter award for their study, “Development and Validation of a Training Program for Basic Counseling Skills.” The recognition highlighted the study’s methodological rigor and its potential contribution to strengthening basic counseling competencies.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nina G. Valentin earned Best in Oral Presentation (Professional Category) for her effective presentation and analysis of research findings.

The undergraduate research study “Hope as a Predictor of Coping and the Moderating Role of Social Connectedness in People Diagnosed with Chronic Illnesses” also received the Best Paper Presentation award. The study was authored by Alexandra Santiago, Christine Jean Tabotaboc, Vanessa Royenne Dioso, Art Justin Muñoz, and Vhince Aikle Pabustan, with Dr. Jazmin Joy E. Dizon as their adviser. Its recognition underscored the importance of psychosocial factors in understanding coping among individuals living with chronic illnesses.

In the undergraduate category, “Penomenolohikal na Pag-aaral sa Karanasan ng mga Nagpapapako sa Krus” won Best Poster Presentation. Conducted by John Lester Cruz, Kleyn Abigail Fernandez, Joshua Braizen Catacutan, Krisha Mae Gamboa, and Claire Icban under the guidance of Mr. Jhulen Macapinlac, the study was recognized for its qualitative inquiry and cultural relevance.

Beyond the conference awards, the department also celebrated the election of faculty members to the PGCA-Tarlac Chapter’s 2026 leadership team. Dr. Nina G. Valentin was elected Chapter President, Director Marlon Dela Cruz as Chapter Vice President, and Dr. Jazmin Joy E. Dizon as Chapter Secretary.

These accomplishments reflect the department’s continued commitment to research, professional development, ethical scholarship, and counseling practice. Guided by its core values of Integrity, Passion, Service, and Excellence, the department continues to foster a research culture that supports meaningful contributions to the fields of psychology, human services, and guidance and counseling.