R1 HEIs excel in SDG categories in 2026 THE SIR

Several Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Ilocos Region strengthened their ratings in the newly-released 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings (THE SIR), with institutions posting notable results across climate action, poverty reduction, education, and partnership-related measures.

Thirteen higher education institutions from Region 1 were included in the latest rankings, which assess universities’ contributions to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Among the region’s top performers, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) achieved the highest SDG-specific ranking, placing in the 201-300 global bracket for Climate Action (SDG 13). 𝗟𝘆𝗰𝗲𝘂𝗺-𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗟𝗡𝗨) also stood out with a 201-300 ranking in Life Below Water (SDG 14), while the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University also excelled in SDG 14 with a rank of 401+.

Meanwhile, Pangasinan State University fared best in No Poverty (SDG 1), University of Northern Philippines excelled in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8 ) and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College in Zero Hunger (SDG 2).

The Urdaneta City University scored best in No Poverty (SDG 4), within the bracket of 401–600. The University of Luzon and University of Eastern Pangasinan fared the best in Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation in Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3).

Panpacific University, Inc. and WCC Aeronautical and Technological College, Inc. also placed within the 601+ in SDG 2. While Universidad de Dagupan scored the best in SDG 13.

Congratulations to all ranked institutions for advancing sustainability and creating positive impact in their communities and beyond!