University of Luzon Recognized for Global Commitment to Internationalization and Sustainability

The University of Luzon has been conferred the prestigious Certificate of Commendation at the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2025. This significant recognition celebrates the institution’s deep-seated commitment to global engagement, academic excellence, and environmental stewardship, all evidenced by its consistent and strong performance across internationally-recognized university rankings. The award was formally presented on December 10, 2025, during the Commission’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability Awards ceremony.

The formal citation praised the University of Luzon for serving as an “exemplary champion of the future of Philippine higher education,” specifically noting its “unwavering commitment to internationalization and sustainability.” This commitment was explicitly validated by the university’s noteworthy showing in global assessments, including its placement in the 1501+ band of the highly influential Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 and a commendable ranking of 288 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025. This accomplishment is a source of immense pride and motivation for the entire academic community and all Luzonians.

The national significance of this achievement was underscored by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, who led the ICONS Awards 2025 ceremony. Chairperson Agrupis highlighted the accelerating rise of the Philippine Higher Education sector on the global stage, noting an impressive 82% increase in institutions recognized by major international ranking systems, now totaling 173 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This collective growth, she affirmed, reflects substantive and measurable progress in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustaining global momentum across the sector.

The event also illuminated broader strategic moves designed to maintain the country’s upward trajectory. Chairperson Agrupis highlighted major initiatives such as the ratification of the Tokyo Convention by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a key step that positions the Philippines as the first country in Southeast Asia to ratify the agreement, thereby significantly boosting student mobility. Furthermore, she noted the country’s upcoming role as the ASEAN Chair for Higher Education in 2026, which will center on the critical theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The awards, spearheaded by the CHED International Affairs Service, honored excellence across eight pivotal categories—from international partnerships and research to global mobility—reinforcing the message that, as Chairperson Agrupis stated, “Internationalization is not a competition; it is a measure of impact.”

The University of Luzon’s activities, which earned this Certificate of Commendation for internationalization and sustainability, directly align with and actively advance several critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the institution’s high ranking in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025 demonstrates a firm commitment to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by fostering innovation and building resilient, sustainable infrastructure within its academic and operational framework. The core emphasis on sustainability, as recognized by the THE Impact Rankings, directly feeds into SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities that are globally relevant and future-ready. Finally, the overarching drive toward “internationalization,” which is the central theme of the ICONS award, aligns powerfully with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as the university actively strengthens global partnerships and means of implementation necessary for achieving sustainable development on a wider scale. This strategic focus ensures that the University of Luzon continues to shape a competitive, future-ready, and globally recognized education system for all Luzonians.