Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sintang Paaralan retains THE SDG Impact Rankings, Most Improved Institution in Climate Action among PHEIs

Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office

Strengthening Global Sustainability Standing, Earns Recognition as Philippines’ Most Improved Institution in Climate Action

Sintang Paaralan further strengthened its position among institutions advancing sustainable development after securing a place in the 801–1000 bracket among 1,603 higher education institutions worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026.

The University’s growing contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident in the 2026 THE Impact Rankings. This is achieved through its academic programs, research initiatives, extension services, environmental stewardship, and partnerships that create meaningful impact in communities.

A notable achievement in this year's assessment is the University's inclusion in 16 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals evaluated by THE, demonstrating the breadth of its sustainability efforts across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. This places the University among institutions with extensive engagement in addressing global challenges through higher education.

Adding to this accomplishment, the University was recognized as the Philippines' Most Improved University for SDG 13: Climate Action, underscoring significant progress in advancing climate-related initiatives, environmental sustainability programs, research, and community engagement efforts. The distinction places the University alongside other Philippine higher education institutions recognized for exceptional improvements in specific SDGs, while highlighting its leadership in climate action.

The THE Impact Rankings measure universities based on their contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, assessing how higher education institutions translate knowledge, innovation, and service into tangible societal outcomes.

Among the University's strongest performances were:

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Rank 101–200 out of 797 institutions worldwide
SDG 1: No Poverty – Rank 201–300 out of 931 institutions
SDG 4: Quality Education – Rank 201–300 out of 1,335 institutions
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Rank 201–300 out of 1,095 institutions
SDG 14: Life Below Water – Rank 201–300 out of 561 institutions

The University also earned global rankings in SDGs focused on zero hunger, health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land, peace and justice, and partnerships for the goals.

The results reflect the University's continuing efforts to integrate sustainability into its core functions of instruction, research, extension, and governance. Its strong performance in SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) aligns with its long-standing mission of providing accessible and transformative education to Filipinos from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Likewise, its rankings in SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) demonstrate initiatives that promote inclusivity, equity, and social mobility.

Meanwhile, the University's highest-performing SDG, Clean Water and Sanitation, highlights institutional efforts toward environmental management, resource conservation, and sustainable campus practices. Its recognition as the country's most improved institution in Climate Action further emphasizes a growing commitment to addressing environmental challenges through education, research, and community-based solutions.

PUP's Performance Across the Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 1: No Poverty – Rank 201–300 out of 931 institutions
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Rank 301–400 out of 731 institutions
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Rank 401–600 out of 1,254 institutions
SDG 4: Quality Education – Rank 201–300 out of 1,335 institutions
SDG 5: Gender Equality – Rank 201–300 out of 1,095 institutions
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Rank 101–200 out of 797 institutions
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Rank 601–800 out of 892 institutions
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Rank 601–800 out of 1,003 institutions
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Rank 401–600 out of 932 institutions
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Rank 401–600 out of 865 institutions
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Rank 401–600 out of 758 institutions
SDG 13: Climate Action – Rank 401–600 out of 826 institutions
SDG 14: Life Below Water – Rank 201–300 out of 561 institutions
SDG 15: Life on Land – Rank 401–600 out of 658 institutions
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Rank 601–800 out of 914 institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 1001–1500 out of 1,610 institutions

The achievement complements the University's recent international recognitions, including its performance in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, where it was ranked 671 out of 1,534 among the leading universities in Asia, 8th in the Philippines, and 2nd among State Universities in the Philippines. While QS rankings focus primarily on academic reputation, research, and employability, the THE Impact Rankings assess how universities contribute to solving real-world challenges through the Sustainable Development Goals.

Together, these recognitions demonstrate the University's expanding influence not only as a provider of quality education but also as an institution committed to creating positive social and environmental impact. The results likewise reflect the values of integrity and accountability, inclusivity, innovation, service, excellence, and respect for human rights and the environment that continue to guide the University's programs and initiatives.

The University's performance in the THE Impact Rankings 2026 reflects more than global recognition—it highlights the meaningful impact of its initiatives in advancing sustainable development, expanding access to quality education, fostering innovation, and empowering communities. As these efforts continue to contribute to national priorities and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, the University's achievements further demonstrate its growing role as a catalyst for inclusive growth and nation-building. Collectively, these accomplishments strengthen the case for recognizing PUP as the Philippines’ National Polytechnic University, reflecting its capacity to serve as a leading institution for technological advancement, innovation, and sustainable development.