VSU joins nat'l consortium to drive SDGs thru impact mapping initiative

Visayas State University (VSU), along with 13 other universities, is now part of a pioneering consortium led by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to map and benchmark sustainability initiatives through the SDG Impact Dashboard Project. 

This project, supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), aims to empower universities in driving social and environmental impact through data-driven strategies, policy sharing, and best practice exchange.

This SDG impact dashboard project will provide participating universities, including VSU, with comprehensive access to THE’s sustainability data and insights, enabling them to assess and enhance their contributions to each of the 17 SDGs. 

The platform will serve as a critical resource for Filipino universities as they benchmark their performance globally, collaborate on sustainable practices, and align their institutional goals with the global agenda for sustainability.

In his remarks, Prospero “Popoy” E. De Vera III, CHED Chairman, highlighted the Philippines' commitment to global sustainability leadership. 

“Through the support of THE, Filipino universities are strengthening their role as leaders in sustainable development, showing the world our dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. 

The Philippines has made remarkable progress in the global ranking space in terms of fulfillment of the 17 SDGs. In 2019, only one Filipino university participated in THE Impact Rankings, but by the 2024 edition, 62 universities were already evaluated, with several positioned among the top ranks worldwide.

CHED Directors Lily Freida Milla and Mary Sylvette Gunigundo, both pivotal in orchestrating the initiative, attended the online signing ceremony and expressed gratitude for the consortium’s role in advancing sustainability across the nation. 

They acknowledged the leadership of MMSU President Shirley Agrupis, project lead Saturnina Nisperos, and Arlene Lu-Gonzales, Chief of International Programs, as instrumental in mobilizing this transformative partnership.

The collaboration includes other prominent Philippine universities such as the University of the Philippines (UP), Isabela State University (ISU), University of San Carlos (USC), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Benguet State University (BSU), Saint Paul University Philippines (SPUP), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), St. Louis University (SLU). 

By sharing policy frameworks and actionable case studies, these universities aim to further embed sustainability across teaching, research, community engagement, and campus operations.

As a committed member of this consortium, Visayas State University will have enhanced capabilities to track its SDG-related initiatives and contribute to policy dialogues on sustainability. 

VSU President Prof. Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes noted how this project will be utilized in pushing for sustainability efforts of the university. 

"Our participation in the SDG Impact Dashboard Project is a powerful step toward strengthening our institution's impact in sustainable development, particularly in Eastern Visayas. This initiative will not only drive our university’s sustainability objectives but also allow us to play a critical role in building a resilient and inclusive future."

Ritin Malhotra and Simone Dilena from THE, instrumental in establishing this collaboration, commended the collective ambition of Filipino universities and highlighted the significance of this data-sharing initiative in achieving the SDGs. 

By participating in the SDG Impact Dashboard, Visayas State University joins a national effort to set a new standard for sustainable development in higher education, aligning academic pursuits with pressing global goals for a better, more sustainable world.

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