According to the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) topped first in the Philippines in the impact towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 Reduced Inequalities.
Established in 2004, THE provides trusted performance data on universities worldwide to provide a resource on the different missions and successes of higher educational institutions (HEIs).
THE University Impact Rankings, founded in 2019, are the only global league tables which assess universities with the SDGs of the United Nations. It publishes an overall ranking, as well as 17 reports which show the progress of diverse universities in terms of delivering each of the SDGs.
This year, the global authority assessed 1,108 HEIs from 110 countries and regions for their contribution to SDG 10.
The methodology for SDG 10 included detailed indicators: volume of research on social protection, migration policies, and strategies to reduce income and social inequalities, as well as the proportion of equality-related studies in top journals and field-weighted citation impact on equality-related papers.
The proportion of students, who identify as being the first person in their immediate family to attend university, was likewise considered as it highlights the efforts to bridge educational gaps.
Another factor is the number of international students from low-income and lower-middle-income countries, which reflects the institution’s pledge to foster global educational equity.
The percentage of learners and staff members with disabilities was likewise measured, as well as the policies and actions implemented to combat discrimination in all forms, which ensures a safe and inclusive environment.
Benilde President Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC shared the good news through a letter addressed to the community.
“Being recognized by the THE for achievements related to SDG 10 is not only a significant honor, but also a reflection of our community’s commitment to social justice and equality,” he stated.
“In today’s world, where issues of inequality persist in various forms such as income, access to education, and healthcare, it is imperative for institutions of higher education to play a pivotal role in addressing these disparities.”
Fernandez likewise expounded that the honor signifies that Benilde is actively working towards its mission.
“This recognition substantiates our tireless efforts in helping build a just and humane society by ensuring that quality education is accessible to the poor and diversely gifted learners,” he added.
Fernandez likewise extended his utmost gratitude to Chancellor Benhur Ong and Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research (OIER) Director Johnny Amora as well as to Center for Faculty and Institutional Research Head Neil Pariñas, the main proponent for the submission of the data to THE, for their initiative.
“Most importantly, I would like to thank the whole Benildean community for making this possible,” he expressed. “The OIER successfully submitted our data, because all of you did your part by ensuring that documentary evidence to prove that we are number one in the country in terms of bridging inequality is readily available and accessible.”
Benilde ranked 301-400 out of all the participating 1,108 institutions from 110 countries and regions in the THE Impact Rankings 2024.
