Research at DLSU

26/02/2026

The ₱500 Noche Buena Illusion: What the Data Really Shows

Noong Disyembre, naging mainit na usapin ang ₱500 Noche Buena pero para sa maraming pamilyang Pilipino malayo ito sa tunay na gastos. Ipinapakita ng pag-aaral mula sa DLSU Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics kung paano nagpapahirap ang inflation, shrinkflation, at pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko. Sa Metro Manila, ang ₱500 ay halos 3/4 ng minimum wage sa isang araw na nagpapakita ng totoong hamon para sa mga pamilya. Ayon sa pag-aaral, mahalaga ang pag-unawa sa tunay na cost of living para sa patas na public messaging at epektibong social protection programs.

Basahin ang buong at tingnan ang datos sa dlsuresearch.com/P500NocheBuena

24/02/2026

Kapag maganda ba ang katawan, automatic na fit na rin?

Ito ang sinuri sa pag-aaral na tumingin kung tugma ba ang tingin nating “aesthetic” sa aktwal na sukatan ng kalusugan at lakas. Mahigit 2,000 Pilipino ang pinasagot sa survey kung saan pinamarkahan nila ang mga larawan ng mga modelo nang hindi nila alam ang totoong datos tulad ng BMI, body fat, lakas ng handgrip, at body proportions.

Lumabas na magkaugnay ang tingin sa ganda at fitness, pero may iba pang factors: sa lalaki, mahalaga ang lakas at lapad ng balikat; sa babae, ang proporsyon ng bewang at balakang at ang “sakto lang” na body fat.

Ipinapaalala ng pag-aaral na ang pagiging fit ay hindi lang tungkol sa hitsura dahil may kinalaman din ito sa balanse, lakas, at kalusugan.

Basahin ang buong pag-aaral sa dlsuresearch.com/BeautyAndFitness

19/02/2026

Panahon na bang baguhin ang sistema ng minimum wage sa Pilipinas?

Sa loob ng maraming dekada, ang minimum wage system ang isa sa pangunahing mekanismo ng bansa laban sa kahirapan at hindi pagkakapantay-pantay. Sinuri ni Dr. Severo C. Madrona Jr. ng DLSU Department of Commercial Law kung bakit, sa kabila ng umiiral na sistema, marami pa ring manggagawa ang naiiwan.

Sa Pilipinas, ang minimum wage system na itinatag sa ilalim ng Wage Rationalization Act of 1989 ay nakaasa sa regional wage boards upang iangkop ang sahod sa bawat rehiyon. Ngunit sa aktwal, nagdulot ito ng malaking agwat ng kita kungsaan mas mataas sa NCR at mas mababa sa maraming probinsya. Madalas din na nakaangkla ang pagtaas ng sahod sa presyo ng bilihin, hindi sa kasanayan o produktibidad, kaya kulang ang insentibo para sa skills upgrading at training.

Dahil dito, iminungkahi ng pag-aaral na pag-aralan ang Progressive Wage Model ng Singapore, kung saan malinaw ang bawat antas ng sahod na nakaugnay sa training, certification, at responsibilidad, kasama ang mas mahigpit na enforcement. Gayunman, binibigyang-diin ni Dr. Madrona na kailangan itong maingat at sektoral na iangkop sa konteksto ng Pilipinas, kasabay ng pagpapalakas ng training systems at pagpapatupad ng labor standards.

Basahin ang buong pag-aaral at alamin ang mga mungkahing solusyon sa ngayong linggo, dlsuresearch.com/MinimumWage

17/02/2026

Sa Pilipinas, Remittances ang Nagsisilbing Impormal na Insurance sa Panahon ng Sakuna

Sa bansang madalas tamaan ng kalamidad tulad ng Pilipinas, saan kumukuha ng suporta ang mga pamilya kapag kulang ang agarang tulong ng pamahalaan?

Sa isang pag-aaral mula sa DLSU Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics, gamit ang Annual Poverty Indicators Survey 2008–2014 data, lumabas na matapos ang Bagyong Yolanda ay tumaas ng 3.9% ang posibilidad na makatanggap ng international remittances ang mga pamilyang nasa apektadong rehiyon. Ipinapakita nito na ang remittances ay nagsilbing impormal ngunit matibay na “insurance” sa panahon ng sakuna. Sa isang bansang umaasa sa remittances na katumbas ng 14.3% ng GDP, ang migrasyon at ugnayang pampamilya ay mahalagang bahagi ng survival strategy ng maraming Pilipino sa panahon ng sakuna.

Basahin ang sa dlsuresearch.com/FilipinoRemittances

12/02/2026

How Fairness Shapes Cooperation Across Cultures

A cross-cultural study examined how justice sensitivity predicts cooperation in the Philippines, Germany, and Australia.

The study explored four forms of justice sensitivity: victim sensitivity (distress when one is treated unfairly), observer sensitivity (reaction to unfairness toward others), beneficiary sensitivity (discomfort when benefiting from unfairness), and perpetrator sensitivity (unease about causing unfairness)

Using standardized questionnaires and cooperation tasks, researchers found that participants from collectivist contexts, such as the Philippines, scored higher in observer and perpetrator sensitivity—patterns associated with stronger cooperation and a willingness to incur personal costs to maintain group fairness. Participants from more individualistic contexts showed higher victim sensitivity and were more likely to reduce trust and withdraw when they perceived personal unfairness.

The findings demonstrate that cultural orientations toward fairness are linked to measurable differences in cooperative behavior, with implications for workplaces, schools, and community settings.

Explore this week’s at https://dlsuresearch.com/JusticeSensitivity

10/02/2026

How Filipino Drag Challenges Power and Norms

A study from the DLSU Department of Political Science and Development Studies examines how Filipino drag performances function not only as entertainment but as a form of political engagement. Based on interviews with drag artists in Metro Manila, it shows how performers use satire, costume, music, and storytelling to challenge dominant ideas about gender, morality, and authority.

Filipino drag redirects public attention to experiences often ignored or silenced in a society shaped by religious conservatism and colonial history. Through exaggerated femininity, humor, and emotional expression, performers raise issues such as discrimination, state power, and gender inequality in ways that are accessible and memorable to wide audiences. Rather than relying solely on speeches or protests, drag allows political ideas to be felt and embodied.

The study also highlights how drag fosters community by creating spaces where q***r identities are affirmed and shared. These spaces connect personal stories with public issues, showing that drag is not an escape from reality but a powerful practice of learning, reflection, and collective action.

Learn more about this week’s at dlsuresearch.com/FilipinoDrag

05/02/2026

05/02/2026

De La Salle University is the No. 1 university in the Philippines in five fields of study – Arts and Humanities (601-800), Education Studies (401-500), Engineering (1,251+), Psychology (401-500), and Social Sciences (801-1000) - in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject.

Moreover, DLSU is the top private Philippine university in Business and Economics, placing 1,001+. The University is also ranked in other subject rankings: Computer Science (1,001+) and Physical Sciences (1,251+).

College of Liberal Arts Dean Dr. Ador Torneo noted that DLSU is the only top-ranked university in Psychology in the Philippines. The strong showing in psychology, the social sciences, and the humanities reflects the collective work and commitment of students, faculty, staff, and administrators, added Associate Dean Dr. Darren Dumaop.

For Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business Dean Dr. Reynaldo Bautista, Jr., the recognition is a reminder for the academic community to continue striving for higher standards, to innovate, and to help uplift the quality of business education within DLSU and across the Philippines.

Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics Dean Dr. Arlene Inocencio echoes this and mentioned that the achievement is a result of the dedication and shared commitment of the whole CLTSOE community, which is instrumental in advancing DLSU’s growing global presence.

Speaking for the College Computer Studies, Dr. Marnel Peradilla, Chair of the Department of Computer Technology, highlighted the importance of sustaining efforts in strengthening research, teaching, and engagement in order to remain globally competitive.

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education Dean Dr. Chrstine Ballada pointed out that such rankings help students identify universities that align with their professional and career aspirations while also providing opportunities for universities to evaluate the quality and reputation of their degree programs.

Gokongwei College of Engineering Dean Dr. Kathleen Aviso said that “As we move forward, we must continue striving toward the level we aspire to, ensuring that our engineering programs and scientific research attain global competitiveness—fueling the kind of innovation and economic advancement that our nation seeks.”

College of Science Dean Dr. Mary Jane Flores, for her part, added that the milestone affirms that their work in the physical sciences meets international benchmarks and remains visible in the global academic community, and the ranking is an encouragement and motivation to further strengthen the College’s research output, collaborations, and academic impact.

For more information, visit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/by-subject

05/02/2026

Mga Aral ng Pandemya na Patuloy na Humuhubog sa Legal Education

Noong panahon ng pandemya, iba-iba ang naging adjustment sa akademya at isa sa pinakanahirapan ang legal education dahil sa pangangailangan ng masinsinang diskusyon at mentoring.

Ito ang sinuri sa pag-aaral nina Dr. Justin Sugcang at Dr. Jocelyn Cruz, mga mananaliksik mula sa DLSU, na tumingin hindi sa personal na karanasan kundi sa aktuwal na mga polisiyang ipinatupad ng malalaking law school sa bansa.

Nakatuon ang pag-aaral sa mga law school na may higit sa 63 bar examinees, ayon sa pamantayan ng Legal Education Board. Sa pagsusuri ng mga patakarang inilabas noong lockdown, lumitaw ang tatlong pangunahing hamon: pagpapatuloy ng pagtuturo, patas na pagsusukat ng pagkatuto, at pag-angkop ng academic calendar.

Karamihan sa mga paaralan ay lumipat sa online distance learning, gumamit ng iba’t ibang paraan ng assessment, at nagpatupad ng adjusted grading upang maging makatarungan sa gitna ng limitadong access sa teknolohiya.

Sa huli, sinusuri ng pag-aaral kung ang mga hakbang na ito ay tumutugma sa layunin ng Legal Education Reform Act na hubugin ang mga abogado na may kakayahan at malasakit sa lipunan.

Basahin ang buong sa dlsuresearch.com/LegalEducation

04/02/2026

Smarter Farming with Internet of Things (IoT)

As food demands rise and climate conditions grow more unpredictable, farmers need smarter yet simple ways to understand what’s happening beneath the soil.

A recent study shows how digital tools can support local farmers through hands-on community engagement. At Salikneta Farm in Bulacan, a portable IoT-powered “smart farm” device was introduced to quickly measure soil nutrients, moisture, temperature, and acidity. Paired with on-site training for farm staff and interns, the technology proved practical, easy to use, and helpful for everyday decisions.

The project demonstrates that technology, when grounded in education and community support, can make smart farming accessible, effective, and sustainable.

Find out how smart tools are helping farmers adapt in this week’s at https://dlsuresearch.com/SmarterFarming

03/02/2026

Re: Research Hangout on Robotics in Healthcare

In today’s world where technology has become a part of our daily lives, its integration in healthcare would be a game changer. But how can technology drive innovation and deliver better healthcare for Filipinos? We explored this pressing topic last November 5, 2025 at the John Gokongwei Innovation Center, DLSU Laguna Campus.

Dr. Nilo Bugtai and Dr. Francisco Munsayac III from the Evelyn D. Ang – Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies shared their expertise on how they are utilizing emerging technologies to enhance medical efficiency and help improve patients’ health. They also provided insights from their experiences, talking about the challenges and opportunities in their field.