VSU honored again as CHED-ICONS awardee for internationalization efforts

The Visayas State University (VSU) has been named once again as one of the recipients of the Commission on Higher Education’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (CHED-ICONS) Awards 2024, a prestigious recognition for higher education institutions (HEIs) leading international efforts in the Philippines.

The awarding was yesterday, December 16, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

VSU’s inclusion in the CHED-ICONS Awards is anchored on its strong global performance, particularly its ranking in the 1000-1500 bracket of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024. This achievement highlights VSU’s continued leadership in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its institutional programs, research initiatives, and community engagements.

The THE Impact Rankings assess universities worldwide based on their measurable contributions to the SDGs. In the 2024 edition, VSU retained its position in the 1000-1500 range while improving its overall score, reflecting significant progress in specific SDGs. Notable highlights of VSU’s inclusion in the most recent THE Impact Rankings are as follows:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): VSU’s agricultural research and extension programs have addressed food security and sustainable farming practices in rural communities.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The university’s conservation efforts, such as biodiversity research in protected areas, have been instrumental in promoting environmental preservation.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): VSU’s growing international collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and government agencies have strengthened its contributions to sustainable development.

The university’s sustained excellence in the rankings reflects its institutional commitment to tackling global challenges through science, innovation, and community-driven solutions.

Global Green University Aspiration

Receiving the CHED-ICONS Award validates VSU’s vision of becoming a Global Green University that integrates sustainability across its core functions. President Prof. Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes acknowledged the recognition as a testament to the university’s collective efforts.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the champions of internationalization and sustainability. Our performance in the THE Impact Rankings highlights VSU’s unwavering commitment to achieving the SDGs, empowering communities, and contributing to global solutions for a sustainable future.”

Dr. Yepes emphasized that this recognition is not only a milestone for VSU but also a call to further strengthen its leadership in environmental stewardship and international academic collaboration. VSU’s success exemplifies the transformative role of higher education in building a more sustainable university.

The CHED-ICONS Awards celebrate HEIs that champion internationalization and align their programs with global development goals. 

Former VSU President delivers a message as 2023 IZN Leader

In the same ceremony, former VSU President Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin delivered an inspirational message addressed to the 2024 finalists of the Internationalization Leadership Award.

He is the second recipient of this prestigious award that started in 2022 with former President of Mariano Marco State University (MMSU) and now CHED Commissioner Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis as its pioneering awardee.

Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., the President of the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), was among the three finalists for the said award this year. He is also the current President of the Eastern Visayas Regional Chapter of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC-8).

St. Louis University (SLU) President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, won the IZN Leadership Award this year because of his sterling leadership that propelled SLU to obtaining greater international recognition.

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