In celebration of its 21st Charter Anniversary, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) launched a bold initiative aimed at elevating its presence on the global academic arena. A two-day strategic seminar, held on August 28–29 at the GS Function Hall, brought together thought leaders and ranking experts to explore pathways toward international recognition.
The seminar was spearheaded by Dr. Mary Jean P. Yanger, Director of UQAAC/IMASO, and served as a foundational step in aligning EVSU’s institutional goals with globally accepted standards. The event focused on updating the university’s niche, enhancing its academic brand, and positioning EVSU for inclusion in prestigious world university rankings.
Day One: Building the Foundation
The first day featured three high-impact sessions led by experts from leading Philippine institutions. Dr. Joel Rey U. Acob, Director for Quality Assurance at VSU, opened the seminar with valuable insights into the role of quality assurance in achieving success in both national and international rankings. He was followed by Mr. Bryan C. Dayuta, Director for Linkages and the International Office at PNU, who delivered a thorough discussion on WURI as an innovation-focused ranking system. Concluding the day was Mr. Joedel O. Peñaranda, Executive Assistant to the President and former Director for Institutional Planning at BIPSU, who provided a comprehensive overview of the QS Stars Rating Dimensions and the importance of institutional branding.
Day Two: Understanding THE and SDGs
The second day shifted focus to the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking system and its connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Jonas P. Villas, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension at LNU, led the session with clarity and depth, unpacking the theoretical and practical mechanisms behind THE metrics. His presentation emphasized how universities can align their research and outreach with the SDG framework to boost global relevance and presence.
As Eastern Visayas State University continues to evolve as a forward-thinking institution, this seminar stands as a defining milestone in its pursuit of going global. By engaging with internationally recognized entities such as WURI and THE, EVSU is laying a strong foundation for future inclusion in world university rankings.
Written by: MSP | UMDC
This feature article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality Education; SDG 09: Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure; SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions; SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals