Mountain Province State University (MPSU) marked the culmination of the formal conference proceedings of WE-BREW 2026 through its Culminating and Awarding Ceremony held on September 17, 2026, at the Teng-ab Pastoral Complex in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
The ceremony brought together researchers, university officials, international and local partners, and members of the academic community to celebrate research excellence, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the Best Paper awardees across the five thematic tracks of the international multidisciplinary research conference.
For Track 1: Health, Resilience, and Human Well-Being, Georgina P. Maskay, Glyniselyn P. Maskay, Luzlyn M. Agwilang, and Eros Maskay of Mountain Province State University were recognized for their paper, “Towards Community Health and Resilience: Indigenous Briefing and Debriefing Practices for Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations in the Northern Philippines.”
For Track 2: Environment, Climate Action, and Sustainable Resource Management, Minajoy B. Wigan of Quirino State University received the Best Paper award for the study, “Productivity and Profitability of Hybrid Rice Varieties under Mechanized Production in Quirino Province, Philippines.”
Under Track 3: Education and Social Inclusion, John Rey Osben Pelila and Janna Anonueva Langholz of Benguet State University were recognized for their paper, “Seeking Parrhesia for Maura: A Quest Beyond Uncertainty.”
For Track 4: Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, Christian M. Mortel of Romblon State University received the Best Paper award for the study, “Experimental Evaluation of Marble Dust as a Sustainable Fire Suppression Agent in a Nitrogen-Pressurized Portable Extinguisher.”
Under Track 5: Justice, Governance, Leadership, Tourism, and Business, Glory Ann Karen C. Caldingon and Diyah Guwen A. Alejandrino of Kalinga State University were recognized for their extension paper, “Homestay and Small Lodge Management Training for Potential Accommodation Facilities of Balbalan, Kalinga: A Community-Based Extension Intervention.”
The ceremony also featured an address by Hon. Franklin C. Odsey, Municipal Mayor of Bontoc, who underscored the important role of research in community development, governance, and evidence-based decision-making.
Beyond recognizing the Best Paper awardees, the ceremony honored the contributions of international and local partner institutions and organizations, stakeholders, organizers, researchers, and participants whose collective efforts contributed to the successful conduct of WE-BREW 2026.
The culminating activity highlighted the value of research and academic exchange in building connections among institutions, researchers, students, development practitioners, and communities. It also reinforced the importance of transforming research findings into knowledge, policies, innovations, and actions that respond to societal needs.
Through WE-BREW 2026, MPSU further affirmed its commitment to quality education, responsive and relevant research, effective governance, and meaningful partnerships in pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development.
