BALAYAN, Batangas— The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is intensifying its internationalization efforts to support higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines on Tuesday, June 18. 

 In an interview, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III said that there is a “significant increase” in the number of Philippine universities in global rankings for internationalizing university programs and projects. 

This year, there are 86 reported Philippine HEIs that were ranked, which is an increase from the 52 institutions that were listed last year. 

Among the 12,000 HEI entries worldwide, the Philippines is one of the countries that is among the best performing in the rankings. 

This is after securing over 20 percent of the top 300 ranked HEIs. 

“Last SONA [State of the Nation Address], the President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] reported 52 public and private universities who have subjected themselves and have been ranked internationally, that has now increased to 86,” he said. 

He noted that the 86 institutions that were ranked are from the Word University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), and Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (THE-IR) only.  

 The number may still increase once the results from the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings are released. 

In addition, CHED’s initiatives include providing opportunities for PH HEIs to participate in international education fairs through sponsored Philippine booths. 

 As well as the sponsorship of officials from selected universities in traveling abroad for immersion and potential program adoption. 

And continuing to conduct workshops for global ranking requirements and compliance. 

“The fact that these HEIS are joining the list of the top universities not just in the WURI rankings but also in the other international ranking bodies shows the globalized outlook and competitiveness of our public and private universities,” de Vera stated. 

 He said that the presidents of the following universities are the leaders who are currently on sponsored trips abroad:   

• Mapua University 
• National University 
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines 
• Philippine State College of Aeronautics   

“They are now in Harvard looking at programs that can be partnered or can be replicated here. So, I sent seven presidents of Philippine universities in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard, and Arizona State University,” he added.   

He also mentioned the implementation of best practices among PH HEIs.  

Particularly from those excellent-performing universities in the global rankings, such as Mabalacat City University. 

The said university was recognized as having the highest rank in terms of the use of Information Technology (IT) in teaching.   

“So, iyong Mabalacat ngayon, lahat ng Philippine universities, pupunta naman doon. Titingnan nila ano ba ang ginawa nito at number one. And then they will also adopt the good things that they are doing. So, it’s a continuous system of Philippine universities looking at each other, comparing, adopting best practices,” de Vera said.   

On the other hand, de Vera emphasized the need for a “very good and specialized” understanding, training, and tools in PH HEIs. 

This is to address current mental health challenges encountered by students. 

 He made this statement as the CHED entered into a memorandum of understanding with Unilab Foundation, Inc.  

It aims to educate counselors about suicide prevention and awareness programs in colleges and universities. 

A need for peer counseling is also considered.  

Due to major change in required interventions and traditional safety nets for mental health applications, had been minimized. 

De Vera vowed to continue giving support to universities. This is as they pursue international assessments to monitor their improvement on an annual basis. 

“The collective efforts of Philippine HEIs, assisted by CHED and the national government, are now showing results. Rest assured, we will continue accelerating internationalization, assist university-to-university linkages, and foster partnerships to bring more HEIs in international rankings,” he added.