MMSU unveils QS Asia ranking emblem in Achievement Wall
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) proudly unveiled its 2026 QS World University Rankings: Asia emblem on its “Achievement Wall,” marking the university’s inclusion in the prestigious list for the 1401–1500 band. Joining only 34 other Philippine institutions, MMSU’s recognition highlights its rising international profile and commitment to excellence in higher education.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr. led the unveiling ceremony, along with the university vice presidents and members of the academic council.
Dr. Agrupis said the university’s recent achievements mark a milestone reflecting the collective efforts of the MMSU community and should guide the institution’s direction toward greater global recognition. “These accomplishments serve as a landmark of our collective efforts. Let this QS Asia ranking serve as our compass in moving up high to world ranking,” she said.
She also reminded the university to remain grounded in its core mission beyond rankings and recognition. “Moreover, let us not forget the very core of our existence as a university. These awards are mere academic optics to sell the university. More than this, we should always remember to leave a mark to the community that we serve,” Chairperson Agrupis added, reaffirming her commitment by saying, “I will always be here for MMSU.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Manzano described the QS Asia recognition as a source of motivation for the entire university community, emphasizing that it inspires the institution to enhance its services and academic standards as it works toward greater international recognition.
He noted that the ranking badges reflect the collective hard work of faculty, staff, and administrators who consistently go beyond what is required to elevate the university’s performance. Manzano also acknowledged the strong foundations laid by Dr. Agrupis.
“The foundations were very strong, and they continue to guide our mission and vision as a community. What was started then gave us a clear direction and a solid base on which we are building today,” he said, crediting her leadership for initiating the university’s push toward international benchmarking and global competitiveness.
Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight Mee Jay Domingo said that the inclusion of MMSU in the QS Asia ranking validates its continued commitment to perform well as a university, and its attempts to do well in world university rankings.
Moreover, Prof. Herdy Yumul, Director of the Office for Strategic Communication assured that the office will continue to safeguard and gatekeep the MMSU Achievement Wall, recognizing the valuable efforts of the past and the present administration in placing the name of the university in the world map.
The annual QS World University Rankings, conducted by the London-based global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluates institutions across Asia based on multiple performance indicators. For the 2026 edition, the ranking methodology was anchored on five performance lenses, each with specific indicators that measure institutional quality and impact.
MMSU, categorized as a large public university with a comprehensive scope, achieved an overall score of 5.8, with its academic reputation contributing over half of the score at 54.4% and the faculty-to-student ratio accounting for 26.3%.
MMSU’s membership seal in the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC) was also presented during the ceremony. The University Consortium, supported by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), is a network of leading universities in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sciences. The consortium currently connects 16 top institutions across Southeast Asia, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, and Germany, promoting faculty and student mobility, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives. The university received the official announcement on December 12, 2025 by the UC Executive Board.
The unveiling ceremony concluded with the oath-taking rites of the newly elected member of the MMSU Board of Regents, representing the private sector, Hon. Lilibeth Rabago. It was administered by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, who is also the Chairperson of the MMSU Board of Regents.
As MMSU moves forward, it reaffirms its commitment to leveraging global benchmarks to guide policy, strengthen academic systems, and position the university as a leading higher education institution in the region, consistent with its 2033 vision. (𝘞𝘉𝘉 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘔𝘝)
Dec, 19, 2025 09:21:am
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STRATCOM
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