ILOILO City — Western Visayas has strengthened its reputation as an emerging center for educational innovation.
Several higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region secured spots in the prestigious World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, with state universities and private institutions earning recognition for transformative education, research, technology, and social impact initiatives.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 6 hailed the achievement as proof that Western Visayas universities are making “real contributions” to industry and society while competing on the global stage through innovation-driven programs and future-ready academic strategies.
“This world ranking body embodies higher education institutions’ real contributions to industry and society, highlighting innovative education, research, and engagement to society. In evaluating under 24 categories, the HEIs have achieved effective innovation strategies, exhibit future potential, and made real impact upon industry and society,” CHED-6 stated on Facebook.
Leading the region’s performance in the 2026 WURI Global Top 500 Innovative Universities was West Visayas State University, which ranked 137th worldwide.
Also making it to the global list were Aklan State University at Rank 214, Iloilo Science and Technology University at Rank 344, University of Antique at Rank 345, and Central Philippine University at Rank 349.
CHED-6 said the rankings highlight the region’s growing role in pioneering innovative solutions in education, industry collaboration, and community engagement.
Beyond the overall rankings, 10 HEIs from Western Visayas earned recognition across WURI’s 24 innovation categories, which evaluate institutions based on innovation strategies, implementation, and societal impact.
Among the region’s strongest performances was Iloilo State University of Fisheries, Science and Technology, which ranked seventh globally in Social Impact through Knowledge Transfer.
West Visayas State University and Iloilo Science and Technology University also both placed eighth worldwide in Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved.
Meanwhile, University of Antique ranked 12th globally in Visionary Leadership, while Guimaras State University secured high marks in Entrepreneurial Culture & Ecosystem, Representative Research Project, and Culture/Values categories.
Other notable performers included John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, University of Perpetual Help System Laguna – Pueblo de Panay, and St. Paul University Iloilo.
CHED-6 said the results demonstrate how HEIs in Western Visayas are not merely adapting to global educational changes but are actively shaping innovation in ways that benefit communities and industries.
“This year’s rankings illustrate a thriving educational ecosystem that is not only receptive to change but is also actively shaping innovations that resonate beyond the classroom,” the agency said.
The regional office also commended the institutions for sustaining transformative and impactful higher education programs that continue to elevate Western Visayas in the international academic arena.
“The CHED Regional Office 6 family proudly commends these institutions for their unwavering commitment to transformative and impactful higher education that continuously advances the region. Congratulations to all,” CHED-6 wrote on Facebook.
CHED-6 added that the region’s universities are setting a strong example for future generations by pioneering innovative approaches in education, research, and community engagement while helping shape a united vision for progress and excellence in higher education./PN
