By Jareason Fabre

Officials from Urdaneta City University (UCU) visited Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) today, October 8, to learn about the university's strategies in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and UI Greenmetrics.

Led by Engr. Dennis Pascua, head of UCU’s Engineering Management and Auxiliary Services, the delegation met with MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall. Engr. Pascua praised MMSU as a leading institution, citing its achievements in international rankings and quality education.

In the 2024 THE Impact Rankings, MMSU placed 601-800 globally and ranked fifth in the Philippines while securing the top spot nationally for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), with a global rank of 301-400. MMSU also ranked fifth in the Philippines and 356th worldwide in the 2022 UI Greenmetric World University Rankings.

Dr. Franco emphasized that MMSU’s success in the two prestigious rankings is just one of many recognitions the university has received. However, she stressed that the institution's real mission goes beyond accolades. "Our role is to uplift other universities and colleges, not just in the region but across the country," she said.

"We are committed to continuing inclusive growth and sharing knowledge with our partner institutions, ensuring that everyone benefits from the progress we achieve together."

The UCU delegation, including Information Technology Education Dean Johannes Rabago and faculty members Mr. Eherson Valdez, Ms. Lorie M. Paragas, Mr. Justine Vincent Isit, and Ms. Michelle Anne Gomez, explored MMSU’s strategies that drive its sustainability efforts and impact. Their goal is to adopt similar approaches to boost UCU's standing in global rankings.

They were assisted by Dr. Mee Jay Domingo, director of internationalization, linkages, and partnerships, Mr. Quincy Savellano, MMSU chief of linkages and partnerships, along with the University Travel Visitors Bureau, including Dr. Shiela Baquiran, Ms. Louelyn Tabili, and Ms. Princess Pearly Pedro, who guided the team in understanding key performance indicators and effective data-gathering practices that have been instrumental in MMSU’s success.

UCU, the first community college in the Philippines and a pioneer local university in Pangasinan has long been a partner of MMSU in various initiatives, including the Coastal Engineering and Management Research and Development Center, Philippine Canada Network for Sustainability, and MMSU-based Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium.