ASHS Research Group Wins 2026 ASCEND Excellence Award, Two Teams Named Finalists
A research group from Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) Class 11-San Vitores received the 2026 Ateneo Socio-Civic Engagement for National Development (ASCEND) Excellence Award for Senior High School Coursework Group Research, recognising their contribution to community-based research and national development.
The winning study, titled “Impact of Counseling Support Scarcity on the Internalization Continuum and Subjective Well-Being: A Case Study of Tagudin National High School,” examined how limited access to professional counseling services affects students’ mental health. Conducted in partnership with a rural public school in Ilocos Sur, the research used mixed methods, combining surveys and interviews to understand students’ experiences.
The findings highlighted that insufficient counseling support can lead students to rely on informal networks that may reinforce stigma and leave mental health concerns unresolved. The researchers emphasised the need for stronger investment in accessible and sustainable student support systems, particularly in underserved communities.
Two other ASHS teams were also recognised as finalists. A STEM/11-Wright team explored healthcare challenges faced by dengue patients and medical professionals in public hospitals in Rizal, while a Class 11-Mayer team investigated farmers’ adaptive practices in response to volcanic disaster risks in Tagaytay.
The ASCEND Excellence Awards celebrate student research that demonstrates academic excellence, community engagement, and innovative solutions to national development challenges.
