Six Philippine universities were included in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027

Ateneo leads 6 Philippine universities in Times Higher Education 2027 global rankings

Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
Manila Bulletin
Sep 30, 2026

Six Philippine universities were included in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, led by the Ateneo de Manila University, which retained the country’s top spot for the fifth consecutive year.

The London-based THE released the 2027 rankings on Wednesday, Sept. 30, placing Ateneo in the 1,001-1,200 band globally, followed by the University of the Philippines in the 1,201-1,400 band and the University of Santo Tomas in the 1,601-1,800 band.

De La Salle University and Mapua University were both placed in the 1,801-2,000 band, while Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology landed in the 2,001+ category.

The six Philippine institutions were among 2,297 universities from 118 countries and territories included in this year’s rankings.

“The THE World University Rankings measure what matters most to sector leaders, strategists and policymakers: research excellence and impact; the teaching environment; global academic standing; links with industry beyond the ivory towers; and international talent attraction, reach and influence,” THE Chief Global Affairs Officer Phil Baty said.

The five criteria used by THE are Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry, which are further divided into 18 performance indicators.

Globally, the University of Oxford retained the top position in the 2027 rankings.

The THE World University Rankings have been published since 2004 and assess research-intensive universities using institutional data, research publications and academic reputation survey responses.

Philippines has taken the lead among major Southeast Asian economies in adopting renewable energy policies

PH leads race for clean energy among emerging SE Asia countries — study

Ted Cordero
GMA News
30 September 2026

Over six months after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency, a new study revealed that the Philippines has taken the lead among major Southeast Asian economies in adopting renewable energy policies during the peak of the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

In a news release, international climate and energy research organization Zero Carbon Analytics said it conducted a study on six fastest-growing Southeast Asian markets — the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, alongside Vietnam — “all of which have committed to accelerating their shift to green technology amid historic oil market volatility.”

In its report, Zero Carbon Analytics said crude oil experienced greater volatility during the first six months of the conflict than 95% of all six-month periods since 2007, marking one of the most turbulent episodes for oil markets in nearly two decades.

In response, the research group said the Philippines adopted 13 clean energy policies between February and August 2026, representing the highest number among the tracked countries, which collectively announced 37 clean energy policies.

Across these nations, short-term clean energy policies outpaced the 29 fossil fuel policies passed during the same period, while long-term initiatives on renewables and electrification outpaced fossil-based efforts by a ratio of four to one, with 24 policies compared to six, according to Zero Carbon Analytics.

The research group cited key developments in the Philippines such as the proposing of the Sariling Kuryente Act, fast-tracking at least 250 megawatts of solar capacity to the grid, mandating energy storage systems for new renewable energy developers, and expanding electric vehicle adoption under the national energy emergency directives.

Despite its clean energy leadership, the group said the Philippines also adopted nine fossil fuel-focused policies, accounting for 40% of the energy policies tracked in the country.

These included accelerating up to 5 gigawatts of coal capacity and establishing the country's first government-managed Strategic Petroleum Reserve facility.

In a Facebook post, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin welcomed Zero Carbon Analytics’ findings.

“Who has introduced the most fossil fuel and renewable energy policies in the region? The Philippines has introduced the most energy policies since the start of the conflict, with 22 in total, leading in both fossil fuel and renewable energy policies,” Garin said.

“This is likely due to its declaration of a national energy emergency on 24 March 2026. The declaration included a list of emergency relief measures, such as directly procuring oil and increasing government control over fuel prices, as well as longer-term steps to accelerate renewables, EVs and energy efficiency across all sectors,” she said. — BAP, GMA News

Philippines among top performers in APAC AI governance report

Philippines among top performers in APAC AI governance report

Business World 
September 29, 2026

The Philippines scored 69.6 out of 100 in the APAC State of Digital Trust: AI Governance Benchmark Report by verification service company Sumsub. The report measures how well organizations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) are managing and overseeing their use of artificial intelligence (AI) based on three pillars: autonomy, responsibility, and traceability. The country was second among Asia-Pacific markets in AI governance and above the regional score of 67.1, trailing only Thailand. It also tied Thailand for the region’s highest responsibility score at 74.8.

Uranium-bearing minerals found in Camarines Norte

Potential source of uranium found in Camarines Norte

Andrea Gregorio 
Inquirer.net
28 September 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino scientists have identified a potential uranium resource in Camarines Norte which they hope can help fuel the country’s ambitions for nuclear energy, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) said on Friday.

Researchers from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–PNRI, and Japan’s Akita University reported that uranium-bearing minerals were found on surface deposits at the Bessemer mine pit in the Larap-Paracale district of Jose Panganiban town.

The area is a “historic center” that has been explored for uranium for decades, the PNRI said in a statement. Among other findings, the work confirmed that uraninite is the main uranium-bearing mineral on the material examined in the study.

The researchers said they developed a laboratory process to concentrate the material for further testing.

This material “can be processed into a product with higher uranium content,” the PNRI said.

Depth not yet established

“This finding is an important step toward further research on producing uranium concentrate, commonly known as ‘yellowcake,’ an intermediate material used in the nuclear fuel cycle,” the agency also said.

But the amount of uranium underground has yet to be determined.

"Because the present work examined only surface manifestations, it does not establish the depth of the deposit, how thick it is, or how deep and widespread the uranium-bearing zones are,” the PNRI said.

Potential nuclear sites

The research, however, may prove important as the Philippines advances plans to include nuclear power in its future energy mix, the agency said.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country is targeting at least 1,200 megawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2032.

In August, President Marcos signed Executive Order No. 122, creating a national framework for developing the Philippine critical minerals industry, emphasizing investment, local mineral processing, value addition and downstream industries.

Earlier, the Department of Energy said the government identified potential nuclear sites across five provinces and was exploring financing options as it aims to add 1.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity within 12 years.

Of the seven potential sites, two are located in Bataan, two in Palawan, and one each in Masbate, Pangasinan and Camarines Norte.

Clear opportunity

Researchers said determining whether Larap contains enough uranium to be considered potentially economically significant would require a much more extensive exploration program.

They said this would involve detailed geological, radiometric and geophysical surveys, followed by systematic drilling and analysis of drill cores.

These activities would enable geologists to develop a three-dimensional map of the mineralization and determine the extent of the deposits and their uranium content, they added.

“Only after such work can geologists confidently assess the area’s resource potential. This represents a clear opportunity for the next phase of the work,” the PNRI said, adding institutions and investors could help support the “full-scale exploration of what lies underground.”

Uranium, a heavy metal, is the primary fuel for nuclear reactors to produce electricity through nuclear fission. A pencil-eraser-sized uranium pellet can produce as much energy as one ton of coal, three barrels of oil, or about two tanker loads of natural gas, according to the PNRI.

Other valuable minerals

In Camarines Norte, the sampled mineralized zone measured about half a meter in width, from which researchers collected 180 kilograms of material for laboratory analysis.

Through microscopy, X-ray diffraction and advanced elemental analysis, the researchers confirmed the presence of uraninite grains alongside minerals containing copper and molybdenum, as well as iron-bearing magnetite.

The government is still finalizing the Philippines’ official Critical Minerals List, so the study does not assume that any of the resources examined will eventually be classified as critical minerals, the PNRI clarified.

Even so, it said the “broader significance” of the research was not that the Philippines is ready to produce its own nuclear fuel, but that Filipino scientists are now capable of developing methods to concentrate a potential uranium resource.

The PNRI said the next question for the Larap mine was now clear: “What lies beneath the surface, and is there enough of it to justify the next stage of exploration?”

The study was funded through the DOST’s Grants-in-Aid Program under the NuCycle Program–NuMER Project and jointly carried out by the UP Diliman Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and the PNRI. /cb

PH wins Miss Polo Universe inaugural edition

Mutya ng Pilipinas Andrea Endicio crowned Miss Polo Universe 2026 in Dubai

 Armin P. Adina
Inquirer.net
27 September 2026

Another Mutya ng Pilipinas titleholder has won an international crown for the Philippines. Andrea Endicio topped the inaugural Miss Polo Universe pageant held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sept. 26 (27 in Manila).

The courtside reporter and veteran of national beauty contests bested eight other aspirants, including a candidate representing the Filipino community in the UAE, at the international pageant’s second staging held at Movenpick Grand Al Bustan.

Endicio also bagged the lion’s share of special awards in the evening. She was Best in National Costume, Best in Production Number, Best in Evening Gown, Miss Photogenic, Face of Luxurist, and Brilliant Mind Institute Choice.

With her victory, the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant now has two international titles and one runner-up finish for this year alone. Before Endicio’s coronation in Dubai, her batchmate in the 2025 national pageant Lyndzy Maranan was crowned Miss Global Universe in Malaysia. Eunice Deza, meanwhile, finished third at the Top Model of the World competition in Egypt.

The three ladies who all copped honors for the Philippines in the international arena were initially not meant to take part in the respective international competitions that they competed in when they earned their Mutya ng Pilipinas titles last year.

Ube conquered the Emirates

Is ube the new matcha? How this purple Filipino ingredient is taking over UAE

Sweet yam has become cafe staple for its distinctive flavour and striking colour

Hala Nasar
The National News (United Arab Emirates)
September 26, 2026

What goes into the making of a viral food trend? Is it the colour? Texture? Its versatility as an ingredient? Or is it a memorable flavour?

And what makes ube, a starchy yam root vegetable native to the Philippines, fit these criteria?

Ube, a starchy yam root vegetable native to the Philippines

Its vibrant purple shade is an obvious reason, but ube's popularity is also owing to its velvety texture and sweet flavour. Much like how matcha has made its way into practically every coffee shop and cafe in the UAE over the last few years, ube is now the ingredient being incorporated into every sweet treat recipe and hot drink order.

As a matcha lover, I set out to put its rival to the test, speaking to chefs behind the bakes. Here are some ways UAE eateries are incorporating ube into their menus – and my verdict.

Nina's Bakes

Christina Tamayo, the Filipina owner of Nina's Bakes, says the purple yam is connected to some of her best childhood memories.

“We put it in all our desserts, such as halo-halo, ice cream, leche flan and cakes. Everyone in our village planted them in their backyards.”

As its use becomes more prevalent in the UAE, Tamayo has folded it into her recipes, creating an ube and white chocolate chip cookie (Dh25).

Tamayo began by taking ube roots to make ube halaya, which has a jelly-like consistency. After boiling and mashing the yam, it takes about an hour of stirring to turn it into a smooth jam for filling.

The heart of the bright purple cookie is creamy – a blend of sweet and savoury that jumps between the distinct flavour of the yam and the sweet vanilla. The white chocolate chips are a pleasant addition.

“It’s pretty safe to say that the ube’s popularity is due in large part to its photogenic nature,” Tamayo says.

I love the rich and gooey texture of Nina's Bake's indulgent cookies, and the uber-jam centre is moreish.

Available for order through Zomato and Talabat in Abu Dhabi

Nette

Not satisfied with one viral food trend, Nette in Dubai has created an ube matcha drink (Dh36) in a colour combination straight out of Beetlejuice.

It's an unexpected duo, but I find it strangely comforting. The ube adds a sweetness, but that earthy taste remains, with neither feeling overpowering.

The French-Japanese restaurant also lists cloud ube (Dh36) on its drinks menu – adapted from the popular cloud matcha – which consists of coconut water topped with an ube and oat milk mixture to form a smooth cream. This is milder, more refreshing intro to the ube flavour.

Nette also offers two dessert options. First, its crinkle cookies with coconut cream cheese filling (Dh30). I appreciate the perfect cookie-to-cream ratio, although the creamy flavour overpowers the ube essence. It's enjoyable nonetheless and a great sharing option.

As its use becomes more prevalent in the UAE, Tamayo has folded it into her recipes, creating an ube and white chocolate chip cookie (Dh25).

The vibrant burnt Basque ube cheesecake (Dh50) feels smooth and melts in the mouth. The ube's flavour pairs really well with the coconut vanilla Chantilly cream, miso butterscotch sauce and toasted coconut flakes, making it one of my favourite ube-inspired dishes so far.

Nette's culinary director Craig Small says he saw ube becoming a popular trend long ago.

“To me, ube is purple gold – it has an incredible natural colour and flavour, but it also naturally contains anthocyanins – powerful plant pigments known for their antioxidant properties, along with fibre and other beneficial plant compounds,” Small says. “It has heritage, versatility and real nutritional value, and I think we’re going to see ube become a much bigger ingredient across the UAE.”

Al Barari, Dubai

Jun's

“It’s easy to use ube in simple desserts and drinks, but it can also be a little finicky,” says award-winning Chinese-Canadian chef Kelvin Cheung. “If you’re working with artificial ube flavouring or essence, it can be very powerful, so you have to use it carefully to ensure it doesn’t overpower the palate.”

Cheung, whose food is rooted in “third-culture cuisine”, prioritises collaborating with his Filipino team members “to create dishes that celebrate their culture, food and heritage” at his restaurant, Jun's, which has been ranked eighth among the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Jun's ube menu includes an ube calamansi spritz, a gluten-free coconut ube pie, the signature Ube Kelvin cake made with brown-butter taro root spread, and ube flan cookies. After sampling several of those items, I notice that Cheung uses ube to magnify and complement each dish with a subtle rather than overpowering flavour.

The coconut ube pie (Dh55) offers comfort with familiar textures and memorable flavour combinations. The pie crust is not too thin nor too thick and the layers come together in harmony. The creamy coconut mousse hits first, followed by the toasted meringue, while the ube mousse is smooth and airy.

The ube calamansi spritz (Dh35) is a cool, refreshing summer drink. Both ube and calamansi oranges are native to the Philippines and they create a sweet and sour blend.

Lastly, the soft ube flan cookies (Dh30) are a sweet treat, combining chocolate and ube in every warm bite.

Cheung believes ube could become popular just like matcha on a global scale, especially as a caffeine-free drinks option.

“The region is always excited to embrace new flavours and dessert trends, and cafe culture is such a big part of life here. With its vibrant colour and unique taste, ube is the perfect ingredient to take over right now,” he says.

Cheung also highlights that beyond driving creativity and visually appealing dishes, viral ingredients can foster a new appreciation for culinary traditions.

“I only see positives when an ingredient rooted in a particular culture is given a global spotlight, because it encourages people to discover more about the cuisine it comes from,” he says.

Alex Eala is the WTA Star of the Hard-Court Swing

Alex Eala voted WTA's star of the hard-court swing

Niel Victor C. Masoy 
The Manila Times
26 September 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala was voted as the WTA Star of the Hard-Court Swing.

The WTA released the poll results on Friday, showing Eala as the landslide winner with 78 percent of the votes.

World No. 18 Eala, the Mubadala D.C. Open titlist, defeated US Open champion and world No. 1 Elena Rybakina as well as Canadian Open winner and world No. 9 Iga Swiatek in the poll.

Rybakina took 16 percent of the votes while Swiatek claimed three percent.

Eala thus went back-to-back after winning the Star of the Grass-Court Swing poll last July following her fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon.