Wesleyan University-Philippines (WU-P) reaffirmed its commitment to research, innovation, and academic excellence through Likhang Wesleyan 2026 hosted by the Research and Development Productivity Office (RDPO) and College of Education (CoEd) on February 10, 2026, at JJD Garcia Auditorium, College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) Function Hall, and University Amphitheater.
Dr. Wilfredo Ramos, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), spoke on the role of research in advancing knowledge and ensuring responsible academic engagement.
While University President Dr. Irineo Alvaro, Jr. underscored the importance of research as a duty to contribute meaningful solutions to society, stating, “Research is not a requirement to complete. It is a responsibility.”
The evaluators for this year’s edition were from various academic fields: Dr. Christopher Ladignon, Mr. Ernest Louie Alferez, and Dr. Cris Norman Olipas (Science & Technology/Research & Development Category); Dr. Domine Grizette Calegan, Dr. May Nerissa Lopez, and Dr. Filwyn Villanueva (Health Sciences Category); and Dr. Jennilyn Aydinan, Dr. Alvin Dela Cruz, and Dr. Raymond Andrew Reyes (Behavioral and Social Sciences Category).
In the Science and Technology/Research and Development Category, “Smart Posture: Internet of Things (IoT)-Enabled System for Real-Time Posture Monitoring and Correction” by Julian Paulo C. Canceran, Jay R. Longalong, and Rafael R. Germino III received the Best in Poster Presentation Award.
“InternTrail: A Web-Based On-The-Job (OJT) Training Management System” by Onin John Paul P. Binuya, Rhoderick Aldrine T. Castro, Vincent Rafael M. Manio, and Lance Brian R. Ugatillo was recognized as the Best in Oral Presentation and earned the Likhang Wesleyan Award.
For the Health Sciences Category, the Best Poster Presentation Award was given to Joyce Ann Palon, Joshua Miguel Ortiz, and Maria Kristel Ramos from the College of Nursing (CoN) for “Understanding the Online Health-Seeking Behavior of Selected Elderly in Nueva Ecija.”
Shamelle Tobias received both the Best Research Oral Presentation Award and Likhang Wesleyan Award for her study titled “The Use of Generative AI in Clinical Learning Activities and Its Relationship to Caring Practices of Student Nurses in Health Sciences Education”, which underlined the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing nursing education and clinical competence.
Meanwhile, in Behavioral and Social Sciences, the Best Poster Presentation Award went to “Redefining Parenthood: The Lived Experiences of Same-Sex Couples in Child Rearing”, presented by Lorraine Francine Carpio, Leslie Leigh Indiana, Shannon Byci Mandia, Zyrus Newton Torrijos, and Mark Rainier Vargas.
The Best Oral Presentation was awarded to “‘Te, ‘Ya Pembarya: A Descriptive-Correlational Study on Students’ Awareness of the Anti-Mendicacy Law (PD 1563)”, presented by Lian Jensina Gwynneth Cleto, Charisse De Guzman, Katrina Tadique, and Venetia Christia Toledo.
The Likhang Wesleyan Award was conferred upon “Experiencing Growth and Empowerment in Motherhood While Parenting a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Phenomenological Study”, presented by Eunice Japa Muñoz, Gian Drew Domingo, and Jahn Ray Pangilinan.
Likhang Wesleyan 2026 Chairperson Dr. Lucille Grace Hilario (College of Education Dean) reminded participants that, above all, research must bring glory to God by transforming ideas into consequential contributions that benefit the community.
The program concluded with a closing prayer led by Rev. Apolinario Cunanan, followed by singing of the Wesleyan Hymn, marking the culmination of an inspiring celebration of knowledge, innovation, and faith-driven excellence.
Article by Gabriel Acosta (BA in Communication OJT, PIO)
Photos by Jenine Valerio, Franz Fernando, and Jeremy Panagsagan (BA in Communication OJTs, PIO)
