Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) renewed its academic partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. through Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held on January 22, 2026, at College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) Function Hall.

In his opening remarks, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Wilfredo Ramos highlighted the collaboration with Smart that has been a fruitful alliance for more than two decades, stating that it was not just a formal signing, but a celebration of a shared vision and long-standing partnership empowering students, strengthening academic excellence, and bridging education with innovation and real-world technology.

“Through this partnership, we are reminded that progress is best achieved not in isolation, but in collaboration, where knowledge, resources, and purpose come together for the greater good,” he stated.

Ms. Cynthia Capua, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Inc. and Smart Academic Partnership Executive, also highlighted their visit as a “homecoming”, recalling that WUP was the first SWEEP partner school and recipient of the first SWEEP Awards in 2004.

“Today’s memorandum of agreement is more than just a document—it is a renewed pledge of our shared commitment to the future of technology and education in the Philippines,” she noted.

Additionally, University President Dr. Irineo Alvaro, Jr. reflected on the rapid evolution of technology and its role in education: “We are still the master, and technology, even AI, should be and must be our slave.”

Moreover, the ceremony also featured a TechTalk demonstration using Meta Quest Virtual Reality (VR) presented by Mr. Ronald Ramos.
The MOA signing marks a 23-year academic partnership, underscoring a long-term commitment to advancing technology and education in the Philippines.

Article by Ryine Soliman (BA in Communication On-the-Job Trainee, 2nd Semester, AY 2025-2026)
Photos by Franz Robert Fernando (BA in Communication On-the-Job Trainee, 2nd Semester, AY 2025-2026)