Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are emerging as global frontrunners, with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) proudly unveiling the universities from their respective areas that have earned spots in the esteemed 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

On their respective Facebook pages, CHED-NCR for Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) and other CHED Regional Offices (CHEDROs) recognized the outstanding achievements of HEIs across the country for their pioneering contributions to social innovation, student engagement, and ethical leadership—marking a significant stride in elevating Philippine education on the world stage.

WURI is a respected international ranking system that evaluates universities based on real-world contributions, innovative practices, and societal impact.

CHED-NCR TNHE lauded 17 universities for their global recognition in cutting-edge education, social impact, and innovation—marking a significant milestone for Philippine higher education.

The Commission congratulated the NCR-based institutions for making their mark in the global rankings, which highlight universities’ contributions to innovation, societal development, and practical applications of knowledge.

These include FEU – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (Rank 73), Southville International School and Colleges, Manila Central University, Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (Rank 105), Our Lady of Fatima University (Rank 121), Technological Institute of the Philippines (Rank 128), University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (Rank 139), Far Eastern University – Institute of Technology (Rank 157), World City Colleges (Rank 166), Philippine Normal University (Rank 168), University of Makati (Rank 186), University of Santo Tomas (Rank 196), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (Rank 250), Centro Escolar University (Rank 259), Lyceum of the Philippines Manila (Rank 292), Mapúa University (Rank 313), and St. Bernadette of Lourdes College, Inc. (Rank 321).

WURI, developed by the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU), evaluates universities beyond traditional academic metrics.

It focuses on key areas such as Industrial Application, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Ethical Value, Student Mobility and Openness, Crisis Management, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“This prestigious global recognition reflects their outstanding commitment to innovation, social impact, and educational excellence,” CHED-NCR TNHE said.

The 2025 WURI rankings were released on July 10. 

Some NCR universities also shared their achievements on social media.

Centro Escolar University (CEU), in a Facebook post, emphasized that the recognition underscores its “commitment to delivering quality and innovative education.”

Aside from its Rank 259 placement, CEU was also ranked in the Top 100 in several categories: Student Mobility and Openness (Rank 42), Visionary Leadership (Rank 44), and Empowerment-Based Management (Rank 10).

Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) Manila, on its official Facebook page, proudly announced that it has once again earned international distinction in the 2025 WURI, securing Rank 292 among the Global Top 400 Innovative Universities.

“This achievement marks another milestone in LPU Manila’s pursuit of sustainable innovation, academic excellence, and global relevance,” the university said.

LPU Manila also ranked in the Top 100 across 16 WURI categories, including Student Mobility and Openness (Top 47), Industrial Application (Top 76), and Culture and Values (Top 30).

“These accomplishments reflect LPU Manila’s strong alignment with ethical leadership, global collaboration, and industry-responsive learning—core pillars of its commitment to delivering quality education that creates real-world impact,” the university added.

WURI is one of the globally recognized university ranking systems acknowledged by the Philippine government under Republic Act No. 11448, also known as the Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) Act.

CHED-NCR TNHE emphasized that this recognition is a testament to the region’s continuous pursuit of a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready education landscape.

With these accomplishments, HEIs in Metro Manila are not only raising the bar for education in the Philippines but are also making meaningful contributions on the world stage, CHED-NCR TNHE added.

“This milestone is a strong affirmation of NCR HEIs’ relentless pursuit of innovation and global relevance,” CHED-NCR TNHE said. “Together, we continue to shape a more inclusive and future-ready education landscape,” it added.

CHED regional offices also celebrated local HEIs featured in the 2025 WURI Rankings on their official Facebook accounts.

CHEDRO I said that in the Ilocos Region, Urdaneta City University ranked 44th globally and 1st worldwide in Industrial Application, and 17 other HEIs were recognized in various categories.

In Cagayan Valley, CHEDRO II announced that seven HEIs made it to the Global Top 400, including St. Paul University Philippines (Rank 66) and Cagayan State University (Rank 221).

CHEDRO III congratulated 25 HEIs that were featured from Central Luzon, including Tarlac Agricultural University, Holy Angel University, and President Ramon Magsaysay State University, all placing in the Top 10 categories.

CHED MIMAROPA also announced that seven institutions made the list, with Romblon State University (Rank 56) named the highest-ranked SUC in the Philippines.

In Bicol, CHEDRO V said HEIs like Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Catanduanes State University, and Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College earned multiple category-specific ranks.

CHEDRO VI recognized three HEIs from Western Visayas that made it to the WURI list, including West Visayas State University (Rank 187).

In Central Visayas, CHEDRO VII said six entries were recognized, led by Cebu Normal University – Main (Rank 81) and Cebu Technological University (Rank 160).

In Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM-A, CHEDRO IX said the recognized institutions include Western Mindanao State University (Rank 156) and Sulu State College (Rank 338).

CHEDRO Region X announced that four HEIs from Northern Mindanao were acknowledged, with strong showings in categories like Student Support and Crisis Management.

In Davao Region, CHEDRO XI said five HEIs were listed in the 2025 WURI, including Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Rank 295) and Davao del Sur State College (Rank 342).

CHEDRO Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) said 17 HEIs entered the WURI list, with all previously ranked institutions improving their standings.

CHED Caraga, on the other hand, reposted the recognition of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) for placing in three WURI categories.

CHEDRO XII, meanwhile, celebrated the debut of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (Rank 234) and MSU-General Santos (Rank 370).

The massive presence of Philippine universities in WURI 2025 underscores the country’s rising leadership in transformative education, social impact, and global collaboration.

Many of the HEIs included in the list said the development reflects a deep commitment to future-ready learning, inclusive development, and sustainable innovation—all core goals of CHED and aligned with President Marcos’ vision for global competitiveness.

As more universities embrace bold reforms and data-driven strategies, the Philippines is steadily cementing its reputation as a hub for forward-thinking education in Southeast Asia and beyond.