The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) earned national recognition at the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2025, joining the ranks of Philippine universities distinguished in major global rankings. The prestigious ceremony, held on December 10, 2025 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, highlighted UNP’s growing impact and excellence in internationalization.
The recognition follows the University’s recent strides on the global stage, having secured spots in two prestigious international listings—the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). These achievements underscore the institution’s growing influence in sustainable development, innovation, and socially responsive education, strengthening its profile as a competitive and globally engaged university.
During the ceremony, UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna formally received the commendation on behalf of the University, joining fellow institutional leaders whose schools were celebrated for their exemplary performance in internationally recognized ranking systems. The acknowledgment placed UNP among Philippine higher education institutions demonstrating significant global competitiveness and commitment to impactful initiatives.
UNP’s inclusion in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, where it landed in the 1001–1500 band, and its placement in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) within band 219, were highlighted as key milestones. These recognitions reflect the University’s sustained progress in core areas such as sustainable development alignment, innovative academic and operational practices, and meaningful contributions to community and national development. Together, they signal UNP’s expanding footprint in global education benchmarks and its growing role as a driver of socially responsive and future-oriented higher education.
CHED emphasized that these distinctions spotlight the crucial role Philippine higher education institutions play in elevating academic quality and fostering national development by engaging with the global academic community. The agency noted that international rankings not only validate the competitiveness of local universities but also encourage a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.
For the University of Northern Philippines, the commendation stands as a clear affirmation of the institution’s sustained commitment to global standards. It reflects the collective work of its leaders, faculty, administrative staff, students, and external partners who have contributed to strengthen the University’s academic and development agenda. Under the proactive stewardship of President Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP has intensified efforts to align its curriculum, research priorities, and extension programs with internationally recognized best practices and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This alignment, CHED noted, positions the University not only as a regional leader but also as an active contributor to the country’s advancement on the global stage.
Building on this achievement, the University is set to further advance its internationalization agenda, promoting global partnerships, enhancing research collaboration, and enriching academic programs. These efforts aim to provide students and communities with an education that is not only globally competitive but also firmly anchored in social relevance, equipping graduates to thrive in an interconnected world while addressing local and national development needs.
