Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU presents CHED-funded SDG mapping research at Higher Education Summit

By Jedd Bryant Boado

In support of its sustainability-driven research mandate, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) presented its CHED-funded project, “Monitoring and Mapping of Philippine Universities’ SDG Initiatives,” at the Higher Education Summit (HES) 2026 held at SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga, on March 10.

College of Computing and Information Sciences Dean Saturnina Nisperos explained that the project introduces a tool designed to track, measure, and enhance how higher education institutions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This initiative allows institutions to systematically map their sustainability efforts and understand how their programs, research, and extension activities contribute to the SDGs,” Nisperos said. “It is designed to provide a data-driven platform that supports evidence-based decision-making, encourages collaboration, and helps universities identify gaps in their sustainability initiatives.”

She added that the system may also serve as a benchmarking tool for higher education institutions seeking to strengthen their global competitiveness and sustainability performance.

The presentation is part of the three-day summit organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and supported by leaders of Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs). The event provided a platform for policy dialogue, research sharing, and innovation-driven partnerships aimed at strengthening collaboration across the higher education sector and addressing institutional challenges.

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis called for collective action among higher education institutions in responding to rapidly evolving global challenges. “The Higher Education Summit brings together the entire higher education system to reflect on the challenges before us and to explore how, together, we can strengthen Philippine higher education in a rapidly changing world,” Agrupis said, emphasizing the need for sustainability-driven reforms.

The summit was also attended by Congressman Jude A. Acidre, Chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education. He stressed that higher education policies must align with national development priorities and industry needs.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. was among the HEI presidents who expressed solidarity with CHED’s thrust toward sustainability and innovation during the summit.

“Our participation in this summit reflects MMSU’s support for research-driven innovation and global engagement,” Dr. Manzano said. “Through initiatives such as our SDG mapping project, we aim to contribute responsive solutions that support institutional development and societal goals.”

Throughout the summit, participants engaged in policy briefings, thematic discussions, and sector-wide dialogues focused on curriculum relevance, science-driven human capital development, and cross-sector partnerships. These discussions supported the advancement of the CHED ACHIEVE Agenda, which promotes innovation ecosystems, faculty development, and community engagement.

The summit also reinforced the interconnection between educational quality, research excellence, and technological innovation as key drivers of national progress in a knowledge-based global economy. Institutions explored opportunities for collaboration to generate evidence-informed policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), industry demands, and national development priorities.

MMSU officials who attended expressed hope that the SDG mapping project will serve as a valuable reference for other higher education institutions in the country.

Themed “ACHIEVING Sustainable Futures: Transformative Higher Education for Human Capital, Innovation, and Global Responsibility,” the summit served as an important platform for advancing discussions on sustainable development and highlighted the role of higher education in promoting sustainability, enhancing industry relevance, and strengthening global engagement.