MVC, DOH, and DOST Seal Partnership Through MOA Signing and Grant Turnover for Research on Violence Involving Minors
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, August 5, 2026 — Mountain View College (MVC), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office X (DOST-10), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, formalized a collaborative health research initiative through a Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing and Grant Turnover held at the DOH Regional Office X Building.
The partnership officially launched the research project entitled “Psychospirituality among Children in Conflict with the Law in Bukidnon,” an extension program of Mountain View College through its Community Extension Service that supports the government’s efforts to address violence involving minors and strengthen child protection, rehabilitation, and community development initiatives. The study seeks to examine the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions influencing children in conflict with the law (CICL). It comes at a critical time as communities continue to confront increasing cases of violence involving minors, including incidents occurring in schools, underscoring the need for psychospiritual and holistic approaches to prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
The ceremonial MOA signing and grant turnover was attended by representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office X (DOST-10), led by Engr. Ruel Vincent C. Banal, Assistant Regional Director of DOST-10. Representing Mountain View College were Dr. Remwil R. Tornalejo, MVC President; Dr. Joan Dale S. Talose, Director of the Community Extension Service and Project Leader; Pr. Aizhar Nerl Montero, Faculty and CESO Coordinator of the School of Theology; Dr. Grace P. Abris, Director of the Center for Research and Project Consultant; Dr. Leo G. Labrador, Psychologist and Project Consultant; Dr. Apolinar Paulican, Statistician; and Ms. Febe Ann S. Sumicad, Research Assistant. Their presence underscored the collective commitment of the partner institutions to advancing collaborative health research that addresses the needs of children in conflict with the law and contributes to evidence-informed policies and community-based interventions.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of MVC, DOST-10, DOH, and the Provincial Government of Bukidnon to advance research that is academically rigorous, socially responsive, and relevant to policy and practice. As an extension initiative of Mountain View College, the project demonstrates the institution’s commitment to supporting national and local government programs through research, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions. By examining the psychospiritual well-being of children in conflict with the law (CICL), including those affected by violent extremism, the study seeks to generate evidence that will inform more compassionate intervention programs, strengthen child protection initiatives, and support holistic rehabilitation.
As a faith-based institution, MVC integrates spirituality into the research endeavor, reaffirming its mission of holistic Christian education and service while complementing the government’s efforts to promote the well-being of vulnerable children and communities. The MOA signing, ceremonial grant turnover, and prayer of dedication symbolized the partners’ unified commitment to conducting research that fosters hope, healing, safer communities, and brighter futures for children at risk.
