Lingayen: Eighteen higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Ilocos Region have been recognized in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovations (WURI), marking a significant increase from six institutions in the previous years from 2022 to 2024. This global ranking system evaluates universities based on their real-world contributions and innovative approaches to higher education.
According to Philippines News Agency, the internationally ranked HEIs in the Global Top 400 Innovative Universities include Urdaneta City University (44th), Mariano Marcos State University (89th), Lyceum-Northwestern University (176th), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (178th), and others. Notably, Panpacific University was recognized as fourth in the world and second in the country for Ethics and Integrity, just behind the University of Northern Philippines.
In the Innovation categories, Urdaneta City University topped the Philippines and ranked 44th worldwide, excelling in areas such as Industrial Application, Student Mobility Openness, and SDG-Based Responses to Global Challenges. Additionally, Northwestern University, Inc. secured the third spot globally and first nationally in Visionary Leadership, while Mariano Marcos State University was ranked fifth in the world and fourth in the country in Empowered-Based Management.
Dr. Christine Ferrer, Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Ilocos Region, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “What we are presenting to the world is that many good universities exist outside the national capital. We are changing people’s perception by giving universities the chance to improve and compete with the best in the Philippines.” She made these remarks during a press conference at the Timpuyog: ASEAN Conference at Pangasinan State University-Lingayen.
Dr. Ferrer further highlighted the ongoing efforts to mentor other HEIs in the region to achieve international rankings and gain global recognition. With 92 HEIs in the region, the focus is on producing quality graduates ready to meet industry demands.
Raymundo Rovillos, President of Pangasinan Polytechnic College, stressed the importance of these rankings for quality education, noting, “We see how we are faring with the rest of the world, to what extent are we developing competencies for our students.” Dr. Ferrer also mentioned collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to address employability issues and close existing gaps.