The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for 2023 brought monumental recognition to the Philippines as a record number of 29 universities from the archipelago have been included in the prestigious list. The Impact Rankings are unique as they gauge higher education institutions (HEIs) on their contribution towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This annual global sustainability list named De La Salle University Manila as the lone Philippine university on the ranking when it was initiated in 2019 as a measure of universities’ commitment towards research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching in line with the SDGs. The number grew to four in 2020, led by the University of Santo Tomas.
Ateneo de Manila University joined and led the 5 HEIs listed in 2021, led the 15 HEIs in 2022, and continues to lead in 2023 with the number of Philippine universities growing to 29 in the list released on June 1. The growing number of Philippine universities in the Impact Rankings mirror the trend globally. THE presents the updated list as “highlighting a simple truth: that far from being ivory towers, universities of every size and type are at the forefront of addressing the most pressing problems facing the world, with the great advantage that they are embedded in communities pretty much everywhere.”
“This is important because the SDGs address issues that affect us all, but not necessarily in the same ways. And so while it is crucial to have the research elites grappling with these challenges, it is vital, too, to have engagement and focus from universities that understand and operate effectively within differing national, regional and local contexts,” stated THE report.
In this year’s THE Impact Rankings, Ateneo de Manila University proudly stood out with a score of 79.1 out of 100, marking its place between the 201st and 300th positions out of the 1,591 institutions globally. The university has showcased remarkable leadership in delivering the SDGs, outperforming other HEIs in the Philippines.
In this global performance table that assesses universities across 112 countries and regions, Ateneo de Manila distinguished itself by receiving high scores in five SDGs, notably No poverty, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Following Ateneo de Manila were other noteworthy Philippine institutions making a mark globally. The Philippines’ top 12 include:
- De La Salle University is joined by the University of the Philippines which enters the list for the first time, both ranking between 401-600
- Batangas State University, Leyte Normal University, Mariano Marcos State University, University of Santo Tomas, and Tarlac Agricultural University were placed between 601-800
- Central Luzon State University, Mapua University, Philippine Normal University, and Saint Louis University, all ranked between 801-1000.
The rest of the Philippine universities were placed in the 1001+ bracket, demonstrating the nation’s growing commitment to delivering the UN SDGs:
- Benguet State University
- Bulacan State University
- Cebu Technological University
- Central Bicol State University of Agriculture
- Central Philippine University
- Central Philippines State University
- University of Eastern Philippines
- Isabela State University
- Lyceum-Northwestern University
- Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology
- Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
- San Beda University
- University of San Carlo
- University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines
- Southern Leyte State University
- St. Paul University
- Visayas State University
The inclusion of a record-breaking 29 Philippine universities in the Impact Rankings signals a significant step towards demonstrating how universities, beyond just the elite institutions, are rising to address urgent global challenges. The continuous improvement and participation of more Philippine universities in this ranking will solidify the country’s position as a proactive contributor to the UN SDGs.
With this accomplishment, Philippine universities have truly shined on the global stage, signifying their unyielding commitment to sustainable development and a brighter future.
THE Impact Rankings 2023 Full List accessible here:
The number of Philippine universities showing commitment and actions aligning with the UN SDGs has grown to 29 this year from a lone entry in the inaugural list of 2019. Here's how to view the full list @timeshighered Story via @GoodNewsPinas_ https://t.co/4FAhCsS05Z
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) June 15, 2023
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to the 29 Philippine universities included in the 2023 Impact Rankings!
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