ISUFST earns spot in 2025 UI GreenMetric rankings

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has earned its first-ever placement in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, securing the 1,102nd spot out of 1,745 universities worldwide for 2025.

ISUFST also ranks third overall in Western Visayas, following West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU).

For many ISUFSTians, the recognition is a meaningful affirmation that their everyday sustainability efforts are making a real impact.

Now on its 15th year, the UI GreenMetric ranking evaluates global universities on their commitment to climate responsibility across six categories: clean energy, waste, water, transportation, education, and overall sustainability initiatives.

This year’s theme emphasizes the need for universities to embed sustainability into their core identity—not just treat it as a series of projects.

“This milestone is more than a ranking—it’s a reminder that change starts with simple choices done consistently,” said ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., CESO VI.

“We thank the dedicated ISUFST team who worked tirelessly on the GreenMetric documentation and our faculty, staff, students, and partner communities who prove every day that protecting our environment is shared work,” he added.

ISUFST’s sustainability footprint includes a variety of grassroots efforts: student-led mangrove plantings, community-managed marine sites, climate education grounded in experience, and campus-wide initiatives to reduce waste and conserve energy.

The Agri-Ecotourism Farm at the ISUFST Dingle campus in Bongloy exemplifies this commitment by integrating environmental education with livelihood opportunities.

These efforts demonstrate that for ISUFST, sustainability is not merely a compliance requirement—it is part of the institution’s culture.

As the country’s only state university focused on fisheries, ISUFST’s GreenMetric placement reaffirms its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially in advancing the agri-fisheries sector and uplifting rural communities.

It also ranks 57th among 89 participating institutions in the Philippines.

This latest achievement aligns with ISUFST’s broader goal of becoming a purpose-driven and globally engaged institution.

It follows the university’s inclusion in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and recent recognitions from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“Sustainability outlives us,” said Siason. “We do this for our students today and the communities they will someday lead.”

ISUFST continues to move forward—partnering with stakeholders, learning from its communities, and choosing greener paths, one step at a time. (Rex Paulino/Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)