Adamson and Mapua universities secured spot in World University Ranking 2026

Adamson, Mapua make debut in 2026 QS World University Rankings

SHERYLIN UNTALAN

GMA Integrated News

19 June 2025

Six Philippine universities have secured spots in the latest Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026 as two more educational institutions made a debut. 

Adamson University and Mapúa University entered the global rankings for the first time.

Adamson landed in the 1,001–1,200 bracket while Mapúa was listed in the 1,401+ —joining the ranks of leading institutions worldwide and expanding the country’s academic presence on the global stage.

“This remarkable achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to quality education, global standards, and Vincentian excellence—ensuring accessible, transformative learning for all,” Adamson University said in a statement.

“Together, let’s continue to strive with purpose, serve with heart, and soar even higher as we shine brighter on the world stage.”

Mapúa University also celebrated the milestone in a Facebook post.

"Mapúa University makes a historic debut in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, securing a spot among the world’s top institutions… This milestone is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to global excellence in education,” it said.

While new entrants made headlines, the country’s “Big Four” universities continued to lead the national standings.

The University of the Philippines remained the country’s highest-ranked university, placing 362nd globally despite slipping from 336th last year.

Ateneo de Manila University recorded the only upward movement among Philippine schools, rising slightly to 511th from 516th worldwide.

“This latest performance in the QS World Rankings is a testament to the dedication and excellence of the entire Ateneo community,” said Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ in a statement.

“It affirms that Ateneo can stand alongside the world’s leading institutions—not just in academic reputation, but in making a meaningful impact through teaching, research, and service.”

De La Salle University (DLSU) placed third among Philippine schools at 654th, a slight drop from its previous placement in the 641–650 bracket.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) held firm in the 851–900 bracket, maintaining its status as the fourth highest-ranked Philippine university. UST also posted an improved overall score of 19.9, with gains across all ten QS performance indicators.

The QS World University Rankings assesses institutions across a range of criteria, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, research impact measured through citations per faculty, and internationalization through faculty and student diversity. Additional metrics now also consider sustainability and institutional impact.—AOL, GMA Integrated News

Filipino woman excels in college in Hawaii

Filipino woman excels in college in Hawaii

Vince Jacob Visaya
The Manila Times
19 June 2025

TUGUEGARAO — Twenty-four-year-old Valerie Joy Agustin has brought pride to her hometown, the capital city of Cagayan province, by graduating summa cum laude with a double degree in political science and accounting at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Hawaii.

Her journey to glory unwittingly began at age 6, when she won in an academic competition. "At first, I didn't even know it was a competition — I just thought I was reviewing math problems," she was quoted in a BYU publication. "I won the competition and people started expecting me to be good at everything — not just [in] math, but [also in] English, science, everything. And suddenly, it wasn't just about learning anymore. It was about being the best."

Valerie said she drew strength from a family rooted in public service, faith and quiet determination. Her father is a government employee, and her mother is a homemaker who engaged in a small business while raising six children, of whom Valerie is the eldest. She refers to her mom as "the soul of our home."

Budding leader

In high school at the University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao (USLT), she was a scholar and budding leader. She was elected president of the Supreme Student Council after previously serving as treasurer and NEO LMS (learning management system) ambassador — through which she helped fellow students transition to digital learning platforms at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She finished senior high school in 2018 with honors in the Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) strand, despite her being in the science curriculum.

By the time she entered BYU–Hawaii on a scholarship, Valerie's leadership skills were further honed.

She was elected president of the Professional Accounting Society, where she doubled membership and organized career-building activities, including networking events with global firms like KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler), one of the "Big Four" audit, tax advisory, and consulting firms in the world.

Time management

While pursuing her double major, she practiced time management by working as an undergraduate research assistant in the Faculty of Business and Government.

She was also a political science peer mentor, helping fellow students refine their research work, clarify academic goals, and navigate the rigors of university life.

Her own research paper on high-technology exports and political stability won first place in the political science category at BYU's Undergraduate Research Conference.

She likewise had the energy to join BYU's Polynesian Cultural Center, immersing in diverse cultures and honing her interpersonal and professional skills, and learning about cultural diplomacy.

Outside the campus, Valerie was selected as a Fellow of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC), one of the most prestigious student leadership summits in the Philippines, where she sharpened her advocacy in nation-building, sustainability and youth empowerment.

She was likewise an Official Delegate of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Business Leadership Program, where she underwent training in business ethics, corporate governance and strategic leadership.

Valerie's interest in religious liberty, global justice, and diplomacy brought her to the Religious Freedom Annual Review in Utah in the United States, and earned her a slot as a Fellow of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. She attended forums with international legal scholars and faith leaders.

"The fellowship broadened my perspective on constitutional rights, interfaith dialogue, and the global challenges of justice and inclusion," she said.

Full circle

Everything came full circle when her alma mater, USL-Tuguegarao, recently honored her as a model of youth leadership and academic excellence.

"Everything I do is a reflection of the people who raised me and the communities that molded me," Valerie said. "My dream is to serve, not just through titles or accolades, but by building systems and policies that empower people and promote justice."

She wants to pursue graduate studies in accounting taxation, law and international affairs. Her goal is to become an advocate for inclusive policy, social justice and ethical governance.

Inspired by her parents' example and empowered by her education, she envisions herself shaping policies and legal frameworks that uplift communities and promote peace.

121 PH universities made it to THE Impact Rankings 2025

University impact rankings: Philippines most represented in ASEA

Cristina Chi
Philstar Global
18 June 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines had 121 universities ranked in the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings — the highest number among ASEAN countries and third globally behind India and Pakistan.

The rankings, released Wednesday, June 18, measured over 2,500 universities from 130 countries against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. 

With 121 schools on the list, the Philippines placed ahead of Thailand (85 universities) and Indonesia (76 universities) in total representation within the Southeast Asian region. 

This is also more than double the 56 Philippine universities and colleges included in last year's edition.

The Ateneo de Manila University remains the Philippines' top school in THE's impact rankings, placing in the 101-200 tier overall. This is higher than its 201-300 placement the previous year.

It is followed by the Batangas State University, Isabela State University, and the University of the Philippines — all of which are in the 401-600 band. 

While the Philippines led in representation, Indonesia claimed the region's highest individual ranking, with Universitas Airlangga jumping to joint ninth place globally from joint 81st the previous year — the first time an Indonesian university cracked the global top 10.

The rankings assess how universities contribute to addressing global challenges like poverty, climate change and inequality. 

To qualify, institutions must submit data on partnerships for goals and at least three other UN development categories.

The top-ranked schools in the Southeast Asian region for each of the 17 SDGs are from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

PH moves up in global competitiveness ranking

Philippines moves up to 51st spot in global competitiveness ranking

Ted Cordero
GMA Integrated News
17 June 2025

The Philippines’ competitiveness ranking rose one notch this year amid improvements in economic performance and infrastructure, according to a report by the Switzerland-based Institute for Management Development (IMD).

In its 2025 World Competitiveness Report, the IMD placed the Philippines 51st, up from 52nd last year, out of 69 economies it ranked all over the world.

The IMD’s World Competitiveness Ranking, first published in 1989, “analyzes and ranks countries according to how they manage their competencies to achieve long-term value creation.”

IMD divides its data into four areas, namely economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.

The four areas, together, capture various aspects of competitiveness, such as macroeconomic stability, fiscal policy, institutional quality, market openness, business dynamism, innovation, education, health, and environmental performance, according to the Swiss institute.

The latest IMD report showed the Philippines' ranking in terms of the four key areas:

• Economic Performance - 33rd up from 40th
• Government Efficiency - 51st down from 49th
• Business Efficiency - 46th down from 43rd
• Infrastructure - 60th up from 61st

Among Asia-Pacific’s 14 economies, the Philippines ranked 13th—unchanged for six consecutive years.

The IMD’s report cited the following challenges for the Philippines this year:

• Rekindle the country’s economic dynamism and growth trajectory.
• Address inflation expectations.
• Promote investments in inclusive technology to boost labor productivity and empower entrepreneurship.
• Improve education and healthcare to promote inclusive growth and reduce vulnerabilities.
• Adapt to shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics.

The report ranked Switzerland as the most competitive economy in the world this year, followed by Singapore and Hong Kong. —VBL, GMA Integrated News

40 Philippine companies in Fortune's Southeast Asia 500

40 PH companies in Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list

Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas 

GMA Integrated News

June 17, 2025

Forty companies from the Philippines were included in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list for 2025, which ranks the 500 biggest companies in the region based on their revenues, at the average exchange rate during the year.

According to Fortune, the latest list shows a snapshot of a region that it described as “ready to take advantage” of shifts in the global supply chain, and booming industries such as mining, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence.

This year’s list was topped for the second straight year by Singapore-headquartered Trafigura Group with $243.201 billion.

It was followed by Thailand’s PTT with $87.635 billion, Indonesia’s Pertamina with $75.327 billion, and Singapore-based Wilmar International with $67.379 billion, and Olam Group with $42.028 billion.

Revenue and profit figures for the companies reporting in their local currency were converted to US dollars at the average exchange rate during each company’s fiscal year, with the minimum revenue threshold set at $349.4 million.

The collective companies on the 2025 list recorded $1.82 trillion in revenue in 2024, higher than the $1.79 trillion in 2023.

“Together, the Southeast Asia 500 companies are playing an increasingly important role in global supply chains — capturing manufacturing capacity from shifting from China, which is drawing significant capital flows and reshaping global trade dynamics,” Fortune said.

Below is a list of the Philippine companies included in the list:

Philippines now legitimate threat for Southeast Asian Games volleyball gold

Philippines now legitimate threat for Southeast Asian Games volleyball gold

The silver medal the Filipinos settled for after a 25-15, 25-17, 25-14 beating at the hands of the Vietnamese at Dong Anh Arena in Hanoi on Saturday night certainly glitters like gold—and for sure, is making their Southeast Asian neighbours take a second look at them from hereon.

Musong R. Castillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
16 June 2025

MANILA – If there’s one thing glaringly clear after a week of skirmishes in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Vietnam is that the Philippines has announced its coming as a legitimate volleyball power.

So the silver medal that the Filipinos settled for after a 25-15, 25-17, 25-14 beating at the hands of the Vietnamese at Dong Anh Arena in Hanoi on Saturday night certainly glitters like gold—and for sure, is making their Southeast Asian neighbors take a second look at them from hereon.

“The Philippine team delivered a remarkable performance,” Vietnam coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet said through an interpreter after their win late Saturday night. “The Philippines will undoubtedly be a serious contender [later] this year [in the Southeast Asian Games].”

A marathon five-set win against Chinese Taipei in the semifinals last Friday night obviously had the Filipinos coming in fatigued for the gold medal match, but team skipper Jia De Guzman knows that Team PH is on the right track towards achieving a lifelong dream of dominating the region.

“It means everything, honestly, because it’s hard to see the growth of the sport and our team without the result,” De Guzman said. “We didn’t expect to get a silver coming into this tournament. We just knew that we had to give our best because last year we got the bronze.”

De Guzman was adjudged the best in her position for the second straight edition, and improving a rung as a team from the last time definitely proves that everyone on the squad is doing things right.

And that going all the way is the next target.

“This silver inspires us to go back to training and keep working together as a team and to keep going for this long-term program because, slowly but surely, we’re rising as a country,” said the 30-year-old playmaker.

A proud coach

Brazilian coach Jorge Souza de Brito also took pride in steering this intrepid crew.

“We are happy with second place. We’re on the way [to bigger things],” De Brito, who also coached the bronze medal team last year at home, said. “It’s a process. I’m happy and proud of all the players and coaching staff, all the support also that you have from the federation.

“It’s really amazing,” he went on. “Really, really good players that you have to develop them here and the group will become stronger and stronger year after year. I’m sure of it.”

No women’s team in the past has looked as formidable as this one, and with the SEAG coming later this year, De Brito and the players have months to address whatever lapses they had in the Hanoi tournament.

The talent is there, and though the Vietnamese coach did say that PH big guns Angel Canino and Bella Belen “stood out despite their modest height,” meshing the team even more will fall on the shoulders of De Brito.

Height, of course, helps.

But a team that has jelled to the fullest can be as dangerous as the tallest side out there. They have until the SEAG in Thailand to find that out.

PH climbs 10 places in FIVB ranking

PH jumps to No. 46 in FIVB women’s rankings

Jean Malanum

June 14, 2025

Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippines hopes to move up further in the world rankings with a title victory at the 2025 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Ranked No. 56 in the FIVB rankings before the tournament, the Philippines jumped to No. 46 after beating Chinese Taipei, 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 15-25, 15-12, at the Dong Anh Arena on Friday night.

The Philippines, whose earlier victories over Mongolia, New Zealand, and Kazakhstan also contributed to its rise in the world rankings, is scheduled to meet defending champion and host Vietnam in the finals at 9 p.m. (Manila time) on Saturday.

“The program is working. The past three years (were) all upward for our national program in all disciplines – volleyball and beach – thanks to the support of our stakeholders," Ramon Suzara, president of both the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), said in a press statement on Saturday.

When Suzara and the PNVF took over in 2021, the Alas women’s team was No. 156 in the 222-nation FIVB but jumped to No. 66 in 2023. Last year, the Philippines improved to No. 58 after placing third in the Volleyball Nations Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Bella Belen, who registered a triple-double 14 points, 19 receptions, and 16 digs against Chinese Taipei, is expected to deliver again.

“I’m really happy because we were able to win this game, not just for us but for the Philippines. No words can explain how much we wanted this game and we’re going to prepare hard for us because it’s in Vietnam,” Belen said.

Brazilian coach Jorge Souza De Brito described the victory over the Taiwanese as "a gem of a win."

“We knew that semifinals are always hard and they (Taiwanese) gave us a hard night. But we also knew that we just have one chance to get to the final so I’m proud and very thankful for the girls," said De Brito, who has been supervising the Alas women's program for the past three years.

Jia De Guzman, last year's Best Setter, said Chinese-Taipei tested the team’s character.

“We're very grateful that we surpassed that test of character. Being up two sets, losing two sets, then coming back in the fifth set, that's really hard to do against a team like Chinese Taipei," she said. (PNA)