BY: Dr. Maria Luz P. Villarante
The University of Bohol delegates for the ICBEES 2026 in Bangkok. Thailand with the University President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol, III and the Vice President for Finance Dr. Maricel A. Tirol.
The University of Bohol (UB) once again demonstrated its growing stature as a research-driven institution on the global stage as it actively participated in the 4th International Conference Business, Education, Engineering, and Sciences (ICBEES 2026) held on July 1-2, 2026 at the Rembrandt Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. Gathering scholars, educators, researchers, and industry professionals from various countries, the conference served as an international platform for presenting innovative research, fostering academic collaboration, and advancing solutions to contemporary global challenges.
Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol, Ill as he delivers his opening message at the ICBEES 2026, Bangkok, Thailand.
The conference formally commenced with an inspiring Opening Message from University President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, who welcomed delegates and emphasized the indispensable role of collaboration in shaping a better future through research, education, and innovation. In his address, he remarked, “As we navigate an evolving global landscape, our collective efforts in research, education, and innovation become increasingly important in creating sustainable solutions and transforming communities.” His message reflected the University’s enduring commitment to producing knowledge that transcends borders and contributes to sustainable development through meaningful partnerships and scholarly excellence.
Dr. Leah Wilfreda Pilongo as she delivers her Keynote Speech at the ICBEES 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Setting the intellectual tone of the conference, Dr. Leah Wilfreda Pilongo delivered the keynote address entitled “Navigating Ethical Innovation in Higher Education: Preserving Research Integrity in an Era of Digital Transformation.” Her presentation challenged educators and researchers to embrace technological advancements responsibly while safeguarding academic integrity, ethical scholarship, and the credibility of research in an increasingly digital world.
Mr. Ryan Christian A. Tirol served as one of the Plenary Speakers at the ICBEES 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The University of Bohol also took center stage in the plenary sessions. On the first day, Mr. Ryan Christian A. Tirol presented his study, “Association Between Religious Index and Risky Non-Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents of the University of Bohol,” providing evidence on how religiosity influences adolescent decision-making and healthy behavioral outcomes. On the second day, Dr. Janice Aurora Tirol-Namoc delivered a plenary presentation entitled “Influence of Parenting Styles on Risk-Taking Behaviors of Youth in Tagbilaran City,” highlighting the critical role of family environments in shaping adolescent behavior. Complementing this was Dr. Jerome Magallen, who presented “Work-Life Balance and Job Morale of the Teaching Employees of the University of Bohol,” offering valuable insights into employee well-being, organizational support, and their impact on institutional effectiveness.
The ICBEES 2026 delegates together with Dr. DJUWARI, International President of IASPER, Inc, and Dr. Genaro Japos, Chairman of IASPER, Inc. at Hotel Rembrandt, Bangkok, Thailand.
Beyond the plenary sessions, the University showcased the breadth and depth of its research excellence through a diverse lineup of oral And presentations. Under the Administration Management track, Dr. Maria Luz P. Villarante presented “Academic Program Quality in Higher Education: A Stakeholder Across Evaluation OECD-DAC Dimensions,” introducing an evidence-based framework for evaluating academic program quality using internationally recognized OECD-DAC evaluation criteria. Her study highlighted the importance of stakeholder participation in strengthening quality assurance, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement in higher education.
The University’s contributions to the Health Sciences track reflected its commitment to addressing pressing community health concerns. Ms. Giselle Reformina presented “Consultation with Community Pharmacists on Herbal and Dietary Supplements Use: A Descriptive Study Among Urban Adults in Metro Cebu, Philippines,” emphasizing the role of pharmacists in promoting safe and informed health practices. Ms. Josefina Remoreras shared her research on “Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on HIV/AIDS among Senior High Students of Public High Schools in Tagbilaran City,” underscoring the need to strengthen health Initiatives among education Filipino adolescents. Dr. Bonnibella Jamora likewise presented “Dengue Awareness and Preventive Strategies among Residents of Management Tagbilaran City, Bohol,” community and preventive highlighting preparedness strategies essential in combating one of the country’s persistent public health challenges.
The University’s interdisciplinary research was further showcased in the Humanities and Social Sciences category through Mr. Angelo Yuayan, who presented “Sexual and Non- Sexual Risky Behaviors among Adolescents in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines,” providing evidence that may inform future youth development programs and policy interventions. Meanwhile, Ms. Jennybell Melendez contributed to the field of applied sciences through her study, “In Vitro Alpha-Amylase Inhibition Activity of Yautia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) Corm Extracts,” demonstrating the promising therapeutic potential of indigenous plant resources and their possible contribution to future biomedical research.
Dr. Marcel A. Tirol as she delivered her message on Day 2 of the Research Conference at the ICBEES 2026 In Bangkok, Thailand.
On the second day of the conference, Dr. Maricel A. Tirol, Vice President for Finance of the University of Bohol, delivered an inspiring message that resonated deeply with delegates from across the region. She emphasized that the greatest investment any institution can make is in its people, reminding participants that authentic leadership is not measured solely by accomplishments but by the lives transformed through empowerment and mentorship. She remarked that “the greatest investment is when people become better than who they were because leadership supported them in making people shine,” a powerful reflection of the University’s culture of servant leadership, collaboration, and human development.
Capping its outstanding participation in the conference, the University of Bohol achieved a rare distinction by winning the Best Oral Presenter Award in all three research categories Administration and Management, Health Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences-a testament to the exceptional quality, relevance, and International competitiveness of its research at the ICBEES 2026, Bangkok, Thailand.
The conference culminated in a moment of pride and celebration as the University of Bohol emerged as one of the conference’s outstanding institutions, earning three Best Oral Presentation Awards across major research disciplines. Dr. Maria Luz P. Villarante received the Best Oral Presentation Award in Administration and Management for her research on academic program quality. Dr. Bonnibella Jamora was recognized as the Best Oral Presenter in Health Sciences for her study on dengue awareness and preventive management strategies, while Ms. Jennybell Melendez earned the Best Oral Presentation Award in Humanities and Social Sciences for her research on the alpha-amylase inhibition activity of yautia corm extracts. These prestigious recognitions affirm the international quality, relevance, and scholarly excellence of the University’s research outputs while highlighting the dedication and expertise of its faculty and researchers. The remarkable participation and achievements of the University of Bohol at ICBEES 2026 stand as a testament to its unwavering commitment to research excellence, innovation, and international engagement. More than presenting scholarly works, the University strengthened global academic partnerships, contributed meaningful knowledge across diverse disciplines, and showcased the transformative impact of research grounded in service to society. As the University continues to expand its global footprint, these accomplishments reaffirm its vision of Transforming Lives for a Great Future-producing scholars, leaders, and innovators whose research not only advances knowledge but also creates meaningful and lasting impact on communities, institutions, and the world.