Phl universities shine in global sustainability rankings

Amid persistent challenges in the country’s education sector, the Philippines has earned a major academic milestone as 121 of its universities made it to the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings—marking a record-high presence for the country and the largest number of ranked institutions in Southeast Asia.

This year’s performance more than doubles last year’s 56 participating schools, signaling strong progress by Philippine higher education institutions in promoting the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include areas such as quality education, climate action, gender equality, and clean energy.

Ateneo de Manila University led the Philippine contingent, securing a spot in the prestigious 101–200 global bracket. It was followed by Batangas State University, Isabela State University, and the University of the Philippines, which placed within the 401–600 range.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) continued its consistent performance, maintaining its rank in the 601–800 bracket for the fifth straight year. 

Several other schools, including Caraga State University–Ampayon Campus, Ifugao State University (ISU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Leyte Normal University, and Saint Louis University (SLU), also made their debut or returned to the rankings with improved results.

The THE Impact Rankings assess how universities across the globe are contributing to a better, more sustainable future by measuring their initiatives and research outputs aligned with the UN’s global development agenda.

Despite the country’s poor showing in the recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, this international recognition boosts the Philippine education sector’s global standing. TRACY CABRERA