ISUFST Joins Global Rankings, Excels in SDG Efforts

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology has officially made its debut in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Ranked in the 1501+ bracket out of 2,318 global institutions, ISUFST’s inclusion, announced on June 18, 2025, highlights its growing impact on science, education and sustainability.

As the Philippines’ only state university focused on fisheries, ISUFST’s entry into the global sustainability scoreboard marks a milestone.

The Impact Rankings assess how well universities support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—a global roadmap for equity, sustainability and peace.

For ISUFST, this is recognition of years of committed work in education and community service.

The university earned recognition in five SDGs, a strong performance for a first-time entrant.

Its top placement was in SDG 14: Life Below Water, where it ranked between 301–400 globally.

This reflects ISUFST’s expertise in fisheries and marine science, from coastal biodiversity research to community-based conservation programs.

In SDG 4: Quality Education, ISUFST placed in the 1001–1500 bracket, underscoring its efforts to make learning accessible in remote barangays and underserved communities.

ISUFST also scored in three other key areas:

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (601–800), highlighting its advocacy for ethical governance and peace education.

SDG 15: Life on Land (801+), for its agro-ecological research and land stewardship initiatives.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (1501+), recognizing its active linkages with government, civil society and global partners.

The rankings validate the university’s blend of science and service as it expands its reach beyond Western Visayas.

Earlier this year, the Commission on Higher Education recognized ISUFST for excellence in fisheries, peace, internationalization, Indigenous Peoples education and community outreach.

Its rising profile is earning attention both nationally and globally.

The Philippines also made history with 121 universities included in the 2025 Impact Rankings—double last year’s count—making it No. 1 in Southeast Asia and No. 3 globally, behind only India and Pakistan.

Now in its sixth year, the Impact Rankings remain the only international system measuring higher education’s contributions to the 17 SDGs, with SDG 17 as a required metric.

At home, ISUFST continues to uphold its mission.

With five campuses, 8,500 students and 280 faculty members—half of them doctorate holders—it is building a skilled, socially conscious workforce for a sustainable future.

The global rank may be modest, but the message is clear: ISUFST is making its mark where it counts.

Rooted in the seas and soil of Iloilo, the university is reaching farther than ever before.