Higher education institutions (HEIs) from the Philippines have earned global recognition for their contributions to sustainable development in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, released on June 18. A record 121 Philippine institutions participated, reports GMA News, more than doubling last year’s count and making the Philippines the top contributor from Southeast Asia. Globally, the country now ranks third in participation, trailing only India (147) and Pakistan (126).

The THE Impact Rankings assess universities worldwide based on their contributions to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using indicators across research, outreach, stewardship, and teaching. This year, a total of 2,526 universities from 130 countries and territories were ranked.

Ateneo de Manila University retained its position as the highest-ranked Philippine institution, re-entering the 101–200 global bracket and posting Top 100 finishes in several SDGs, including:

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: =24
  
• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: 100
  
• SDG 14 – Life Below Water: =100
  

Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) made a significant leap in its rankings. It entered the 101–200 bracket for both SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), up from the 601–800 and 201–300 brackets, respectively, last year. MSU-IIT is also one of the few universities globally to be ranked across all 17 SDGs.

MSU-IIT topped among Philippine HEIs in SDG 2, tied with Central Philippines State University, Ifugao State University, and Sorsogon State University. It also ranked in the national Top 3 for SDGs 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Saint Louis University (SLU) also sustained its strong showing, ranked in the 601–800 global bracket and second among private Philippine universities. SLU’s strengths include contributions to SDGs 3, 11, 12, and 17.

Other notable local performers:

• Tied for second among Philippine HEIs: Batangas State University, Isabela State University, University of the Philippines (401–600 bracket)
• Consistent performer: University of Santo Tomas (601–800 bracket for five consecutive years)

The rankings reinforce the growing influence and role of Philippine universities in advancing sustainable development on a global scale, particularly as Asia now accounts for over half of all ranked universities.

What do these results say about the evolving role of higher education in the Philippines? Are we doing enough to link education with real-world impact? Join the conversation.

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