STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) – The Panpacific University in Urdaneta City celebrated its academic excellence and innovation on Sept. 5, showcasing its growing international recognition and commitment to sustainable development.
The event featured the unveiling of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings markers, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Three-Star rating, as well as the Innovation Zone Network (IZN) and Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) Corner.
Christine Ferrer, regional director of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Ilocos, said the Panpacific University is one of nine higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pangasinan recognized as world-ranked institutions, along with Urdaneta City University in Urdaneta City; World Citi Colleges and University of Eastern Pangasinan in Binalonan; Universidad de Dagupan, Lyceum-Northwestern University, and University of Luzon in Dagupan City; the Philippine College of Science and Technology in Calasiao; and Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation in San Carlos City.
Also, the university’s QS three-star rating means the institution is recognized nationally and has international components, excelling in employability, teaching, and internationalization.
“When you see these markers (WURI, THE Impact Rankings QS Stars), it means the institution meets quality standards, follows CHED guidelines, and carefully checks its curriculum, facilities, and staff. They also place a strong emphasis on preparing students for employment,” said Ferrer, adding that it is competitive to enroll in such a university.
WURI evaluates universities on innovation and societal impact, while THE Impact Rankings look at how they contribute to the United Nations SGD, to recognize how institutions address global challenges and drive innovation.
WURI and THE Impact Rankings evaluated and ranked the institution based on their respective parameters, such as academic reputation, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduate employability, among others.
“In 2022, only two HEI in the Ilocos region were ranked. In 2023, this number increased to six, and it rose to 16 in 2024. We aim to have more than 20 ranked HEI in the region next year,” Ferrer hopes.
Meanwhile, the IZN and the SGD Corner are established to encourage innovation and sustainability in the academic community and drive significant progress within the university.
Donna Taguiba, the new president of Panpacific University, reaffirmed the institution’s strong commitment to internationalization programs, highlighting their efforts to expand the university’s global presence and create more opportunities for students.
The university believes that there is much to learn from abroad, with many best practices that can be brought back. They also recognize that there are valuable practices that can be shared internationally.
“Our students and staff have visited seven countries this year, and we are looking into more countries and opportunities for mobility for our students and faculty,” she shared, hoping for more international rankings for the university.
Meanwhile, Ferrer urged HEIs to adopt “internationalization programs” to improve the quality of education and strengthen student’s global competitiveness by facilitating student and faculty exchanges, promoting international partnerships, and integrating global issues into curricula.
“By focusing on internationalization, [academic] institutions improve their processes, programs, and networks, giving students and graduates a competitive edge in the labor market,” she affirmed.
She claimed that employers often consider the institution’s reputation when assessing the quality of education and training a student has received, which can lead to more opportunities for graduates and contribute to community development.
Likewise, CHED Ilocos conducts mentoring sessions for HEI by visiting schools, providing guidance, and emphasizing the importance of internationalization programs. (MJTAB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
