UP leads 45 Ph universities in QS Asia ranking 2027

UP keeps top spot among PH universities in 2027 QS Asia rankings as 44 other PH schools make list

Cecile Baltasar
Philstar Life
4 November 2026

The University of the Philippines has retained its top spot among Philippine universities in the Asian edition of the 2027 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings.

For the first time, 45 Philippine educational institutions made the list, which is 10 more than last year's rankings. With 45 universities included in the 2027 list, the Philippines is the 13th most represented university system among 26 higher educational institutions in the region, according to the global higher education analyst.

Twenty-four universities received lower rankings than last year, eight retained their spots, and three rose in ranking. 

Although it dropped from the 104th spot in the 2026 rankings to 123rd in the 2027 list, UP continued to lead this newest batch of Philippine universities.

Here are the 45 educational institutions in the country on the list, as they are ranked against other universities in Asia. 

• University of the Philippines: 123
• Ateneo de Manila University: 151
• University of Santo Tomas: 202
• De La Salle University: 204
• Mapua University: 494
• Adamson University: 509
• University of San Carlos: 549
• Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology: 678
• Silliman University: 741-750
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines: 751-760
• Far Eastern University: 781-790
• Ateneo de Davao University: 951-1000
• Central Mindanao University: 1001-1100
• Angeles University Foundation: 1101-1200
• Central Luzon State University: 1101-1200
• Lyceum of the Philippines: 1101-1200
• Mindanao State University: 1101-1200
• Saint Louis University: 1101-1200
• Xavier University: 1101-1200
• National University: 1201-1300
• The Cebu Technological University: 1201-1300
• Central Philippine University: 1301-1400
• University of Southeastern Philippines: 1301-1400
• Visayas State University: 1301-1400
• Caraga State University: 1401-1500
• Mariano Marcos State University: 1401-1500
• Technological University of the Philippines: 1401-1500
• University of Mindanao: 1401-1500
• Batangas State University, The National Engineering University: 1501+
• Biliran Province State University: 1501+
• Bulacan State University: 1501+
• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University: 1501+
• Ifugao State University: 1501+
• Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography: 1501+
• Mindanao State University at Naawan: 1501+
• Northern Iloilo State University: 1501+
• Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology: 1501+
• Pangasinan State University: 1501+
• Samar State University: 1501+
• University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines: 1501+
• University of Southern Mindanao: 1501+
• University of the Cordilleras: 1501+
• West Visayas State University: 1501+
• Western Mindanao State University: 1501+
• Western Philippines University: 1501+

Overall, the University of Hong Kong topped the Asia list, followed by Peking University in second, and Tsinghua University ranking third.

Each one was assessed according to several categories: research and discovery, learning experience, global engagement, and employability.

17 PH companies made it to Time's Asia-Pacific Best Employers of 2027

ABS-CBN joins list of Philippine companies in TIME Asia-Pacific's Best Employers of 2027

Benise Balaoing
ABS-CBN News
November 04, 2026

MANILA — ABS-CBN made it to the list of TIME's Asia-Pacific's Best Employers of 2027.

ABS-CBN placed 338th among 500 companies selected based on employee satisfaction surveys from 2024 to 2026. 

Ayala Corp. topped the list of Philippine companies on the list at 32nd place. 

Metrobank was 44th, 

while San Miguel Corp. was at the 55th spot.

Fast-food giant Jollibee ranked 89th.

Other Philippine companies that made the list are:

105 Del Monte Philippines

164 BDO

186 Philippine Airlines

196 Aboitiz Power

206 SM Investments

222 Solaire Resort and Casino

260 RCBC

262 JG Summit Holdings

279 Century Pacific Group

280 RealPage Philippines

304 Megaworld

326 Virtual Staffing Solutions

327 PLDT

426 Max’s Group

The publication noted that Asia’s export-led, manufacturing-based model has historically helped keep regional unemployment low. But the rapid adoption of AI has changed the job landscape.

Trevor Yu, an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University who spoke with TIME, said companies need to renew their employment value proposition.

"They need to communicate transparently about how work is changing, acknowledge employees' concerns about job transformation and retrenchment, and demonstrate that they will invest in helping people adapt," he said.

Fil-Am Matea Mahal Smith crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026

Fil-Am Matea Mahal Smith crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026

Nimfa U. Rueda 
Inquirer.net
03 November 2026

LOS ANGELES – Filipino American beauty queen Matea Mahal Smith has been crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026 and will represent Jamaica at the Miss World competition in Tanzania next year.

The 24-year-old Florida native emerged victorious from a field of 23 contestants during the Nov. 1 coronation ceremony at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College in St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Smith, who competed under the Miss Aveeno sash, received the crown from outgoing titleholder Nevaeh Allen.

Daniella Bullock was named first runner-up and awarded the Miss International Jamaica title, while second runner-up Celine Walters received the Miss Earth Jamaica title.

Smith had already secured a place in the competition’s Top 12 after winning the Fitness Fast Track challenge in October.

Proud of her Filipino and Jamaican heritage

Smith’s latest victory adds to a pageant career that has taken her from the United States to the Philippines and Jamaica.

Born in Florida, she is the daughter of Marilou “Mari” Pantoja-Smith, with family roots in Pililla, Rizal, and Seitu Smith, a Jamaican American educator.

Smith made history in August 2023 when she became the first woman of Filipino and Black descent to win Miss Filipina International, expanding representation in Filipino pageantry.

Smith was featured in Inquirer.net USA for breaking the mold of traditional Filipino beauty ideals through her embrace of her Afro-Filipina identity.

Smith has maintained close ties to the Philippines, visiting her mother’s home province and participating in community and cultural activities.

She competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, representing the Filipino community of Florida. She later finished as second runner-up in Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 and represented Jamaica at Miss Grand International that year.

From pageantry to medical advocacy

Beyond pageantry, Smith is pursuing a career in medicine.

She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. She is also a board-certified patient advocate and is pursuing post-baccalaureate studies at the University of New England as she works toward becoming a doctor.

Her interest in medicine is rooted partly in her experience undergoing multiple hip surgeries, which ended her participation in competitive track and field and swimming.

She founded Love Always, Matea, a charitable initiative supporting children and young people affected by illness, disability and difficult circumstances.

Smith also serves as an ambassador for Sophie’s Place Children’s Home in Kingston. Her charitable work includes organizing a 5K fundraiser that raised $4,000 for Hurricane Melissa relief.

Philippines beating regional rivals in sustainable finance

 Moody's: Philippines beating regional rivals in sustainable finance

Derco Rosal

The Manila Times
Nov 3, 2026

With $23 billion, or roughly ₱1.46 trillion, in total issuance over the past decade, the Philippines has emerged as Southeast Asia’s third-largest sustainable bond market, trailing only Singapore and Thailand, according to an in-depth Nov. 2 report by Moody’s Ratings.

Domestic issuances of sustainability bonds accounted for nearly one-sixth of regional volumes from 2017 through the third quarter of 2026, Moody’s reported, citing Environmental Finance Data.

The rating agency noted that the bond market has shifted from being merely an additional source of funding to actively helping finance national priorities in infrastructure, resilience, and energy transition.

The sovereign was the Philippines’ largest issuer, accounting for nearly one-third of the market, or around $7.5 billion.

“It has directed funding toward climate adaptation and resilience projects, metro rail networks and electrification initiatives, supporting resilience, social and economic development objectives,” Moody’s said.

Major domestic issuers have increasingly turned to multipurpose sustainability-labeled debt securities rather than single-purpose green debt, capitalizing on their ability to fund both environmental and social projects simultaneously. Sustainability bonds offer local borrowers “greater flexibility to finance a range of projects and support multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Sustainability debt has accounted for nearly three-fourths of cumulative Philippine issuance since 2017, contrasting sharply with global markets, where green bonds dominate at 64 percent. Since January, roughly $5.4 billion in local issuances has been sustainability-labeled.

Besides sovereign demand, domestic banks have become key enablers in scaling up sustainable capital. Nine local commercial lenders have issued thematic bonds, representing 54 percent of cumulative issuance over the past decade.

“Banks’ sustainable finance frameworks encompass a widening pool of eligible assets across both environmental and social categories,” Moody’s said, allowing lenders to fund energy efficiency, green buildings, water infrastructure, and financial inclusion.

As government fiscal space narrows, bank issuances provide crucial access to private capital—a shift most evident among the country’s largest commercial banks. According to the credit rating agency, the five commercial banks with the largest total assets in the Philippines had collectively mobilized ₱1.9 trillion in sustainable finance-related lending through 2025.

Sy-led lender BDO Unibank Inc. leads the banking sector with a sustainable finance-related lending portfolio worth ₱1.2 trillion, while portfolios among the other four major banks range from ₱140 billion to ₱376 billion.

Individual lenders have also undertaken landmark capital-raising initiatives to build focused development portfolios. BDO raised ₱100 billion through its fifth ASEAN Sustainability Bond in January and issued another ₱132 billion in July, bringing its aggregate sustainability bond total to ₱518.7 billion since 2022.

Targeted allocations are expanding across the industry as well. Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) allocated roughly two-thirds of its ₱33.7 billion in sustainable bond proceeds to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). BPI has also identified ₱50 billion in water assets for future blue bond issuances. Meanwhile, state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) issued ₱50 billion in sustainable bonds last February to support agricultural productivity and food security.

The market’s growth continues to be supported by regulatory policies from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), including Circular No. 1187 issued in 2024, which established guidelines for banks to classify sustainable activities, initially focusing on climate mitigation and adaptation.

Philippines tops Southeast Asia workplace ranking with 54 companies

Philippines tops Southeast Asia workplace ranking with 54 companies

The Manila Times
November 3, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has the highest number of companies recognized in Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in Southeast Asia 2026, with 54 Philippine-certified organizations making the annual list. 

Golden Arches Development Corporation, operator of McDonald’s Philippines, ranked seventh in Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in Southeast Asia 2026, making it the highest new entry in this year’s list. PHOTOS FROM GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Released Tuesday by Fortune and Great Place To Work, the ranking recognizes companies that have demonstrated strong workplace cultures, based on confidential employee survey responses and assessments of workplace practices. 

The 2026 list drew feedback from 1,322,537 employees across 10 Southeast Asian countries, with Philippine companies accounting for more than half of the 100 organizations recognized. 

Leading the Philippine entries is Golden Arches Development Corp., the operator of McDonald’s Philippines, which debuted at No. 7, making it the highest-ranked new entrant. Balibago Waterworks System followed at No. 19, while Megaworld Corp. placed No. 22, moving up significantly from its No. 90 ranking last year. 

Other Philippine-headquartered companies recognized include Arcanys at No. 34, D&V Philippines at No. 56, Outsourced Quality Assured Services at No. 66, Universal Robina Corp. at No. 82, GoTeam at No. 83 and Altius Inspiro at No. 96. 

The ranking also features international companies operating in the region, including Cisco at No. 4, Synchrony at No. 41 and Atlassian at No. 100. 

Megaworld Corp. secured the 22nd spot in Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in Southeast Asia 2026, climbing from No. 90 in the previous year’s ranking.

`Charles Plumley, general manager of Great Place To Work Philippines, said the results reflect how companies that invest in their employees can build stronger workplace cultures and improve business performance. 

“Global companies have long come to the Philippines for its people, but this year’s Fortune list illustrates what happens when employers invest in building high-performance workplace cultures,” Plumley said. 

He noted that 27 companies on the list earned certification exclusively in the Philippines, underscoring the contribution of local teams to the recognition. 

“Golden Arches’ debut at No. 7 brings that story to the frontline, where scaling a strong culture across restaurant teams is critical to delivering a consistent customer experience and business results,” he added. “Building great workplaces helps businesses compete on quality and productivity while creating more rewarding careers for Filipinos.” 

The recognition highlights companies with different business backgrounds and histories. Golden Arches opened the Philippines' first McDonald's restaurant on Morayta Street in Manila in 1981 and now operates around 800 restaurants nationwide. 

Balibago Waterworks, meanwhile, traces its beginnings to 1958 as a local water provider in Angeles City, Pampanga. It has since expanded to more than 90 municipal franchises across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. 

Megaworld, the developer behind major townships such as Eastwood City, Uptown Bonifacio and McKinley Hill, recorded one of the biggest improvements among Philippine companies, climbing 68 places from its previous ranking. 

Now in its second year, the Southeast Asia edition builds on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For ranking, which has relied on Great Place To Work’s workplace research in the United States since 1998. 

The complete 2026 ranking is available at greatplacetowork.com.ph/best-workplaces/sea/fortune. 

Pinoy’s green footprint in Los Angeles infrastructure

Filipino Stories Abroad

Global Filipino excellence: Emmanuel Liban’s green footprint in Los Angeles infrastructure

The Manila Times
November 2, 2026

In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Emmanuel Crisanto Liban, the President recognizes his expertise and invaluable contributions in the fields of transportation, environment, and sustainability, which have greatly served the County of Los Angeles and the Filipino American community through his introduction of technological advancements, creative financing, and leveraging of non-traditional partnerships to effect social change in the communities.

AS transportation promotes mobility, accessibility, and connectivity, one must also consider its safety and sustainability. Serving as the executive officer for Environment and Sustainability, Emmanuel Crisanto Liban oversees the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation (Metro) environmental compliance, environmental remediation, energy and renewable energy, climate change management, and water and resources management efforts while supporting the agency’s $40 billion transportation infrastructure expansion program

Leading the implementation of various programs at Metro, Liban uses technological advancements, creative financing, and non-traditional partnerships to effect social change in the communities the agency serves throughout the County of Los Angeles. Together with his staff, he has accelerated Metro’s use of innovative technologies in energy and water efficiency and resource management. He has collaborated closely with its vehicle technology group to advance the use of renewable natural gas and reduce environmental impacts across planning, construction, and operations. These efforts have generated millions of dollars in cost savings and currently displace more greenhouse gas emissions, thereby significantly advancing the region’s clean air goals. He likewise authored some of the Metro’s most sweeping Board-approved policies, including the Green Construction Policy, Water Use and Conservation Policy, Environmental Policy, Renewable Energy Policy, and Recycling and Reuse Policy. These policies have changed the way construction and infrastructure work are done in the Los Angeles region and other cities.

Liban has consistently achieved small-business participation in all of his projects by including both environmental and sustainability consulting and construction contracts. Working with the Philippine Consulate, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, and local Filipino Chambers of Commerce, Liban has increased the number of Filipino American and Filipino businesses participating in LA Metro’s procurement opportunities since 2012. He has also supported the community’s active participation in the Business Advisory Council and has increased the number of minority and disadvantaged small businesses participating in the environmental and sustainability space. In addition, he holds a quarterly “Kapihan” with these small businesses to discuss business opportunities and promote networking. He has tirelessly worked with many members of the Metro community to get alternative and innovative funding mechanisms to build, operate, and maintain many of its sustainability infrastructure programs. Partnering with other government agencies and private partners, Metro has been at the forefront of technology innovation and implementation, ahead of many transit agencies across the country.

Liban has consistently increased the number and availability of electric vehicle (EV) chargers throughout Los Angeles County. Beginning with just 20 chargers, up to 100 chargers were installed at about 30 park-and-ride locations throughout the Metro System. He has consistently supported economically disadvantaged areas across all his sustainability infrastructure construction efforts, particularly in renewable energy installations and green infrastructure jobs. He has over $100 million in planned procurements that could employ workers from the said area.

In addition to his duties at LA Metro, Liban also currently serves as a Commissioner of the Los Angeles Board of Transportation Commissioners and the Los Angeles County Beach Commission. His recent appointment by the US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator to the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology will further take his local solutions and policy recommendations on environmental and sustainability challenges to the federal government stage. This is in addition to the numerous national-level contributions he has made as chair or member of various panels at the Transportation Research Board and his leadership roles in the American Public Transportation Association.

Gloria Diaz named judge for Miss Grand International All Stars 2027

Gloria Diaz named judge for Miss Grand International All Stars 2027

GMA News 
02 November 2026

Gloria Diaz has been named an official judge for the upcoming inaugural edition of Miss Grand International (MGI) All Stars.

MGI All Stars announced the news on Instagram, introducing Gloria as Miss Universe 1969 and an award-winning actress and TV personality.

Gloria is the Philippines’ first Miss Universe titleholder.

In 2022, she shared her thoughts on the new rules allowing mothers, married women, and transgender women to compete in Miss Universe, saying that they should have a separate contest.

Meanwhile, Michelle Dee is set to compete in MGI All Stars 2027. She announced her participation during the premiere night of “Red Crown.”

Aside from Michelle, Anne Patricia Diaz and Alexie Caimoso Brooks are also set to represent the Philippines in the upcoming pageant.

MGI All Stars is scheduled to take place on November 29 at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand. - — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA News