The University of Santo Tomas was ranked as the top Philippine university in terms of addressing the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2020 showed.
The results were based on three broad areas: research, outreach, and stewardship. Garnering an overall score of 61.5 – 68.0, UST landed in the 301-400 range, emerging at the top among all Philippine HEIs.
According to the summary provided by THE, UST, known for its health and medical programs, ranked best in Sustainable Development Goal #3 – Good Health and Well-Being (201-300). Its programs in the health sciences have consistently reaped recognitions and produced excellent professionals who are now serving in their communities here and abroad.
UST also ranked well in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), at 101-200. Among the projects that the University and its researchers undertook are the provision of water and sanitary services to Baseco Compound.
As for SDG 14 (Life below Water), UST landed in the 101-200 rank. UST’s projects on Lake Taal, its researches on the white spot shrimp syndrome, and its projects on the sustainability and livelihood of those dependent on marine resources were recognized.
Finally, UST also ranked high in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), landing on the Top 82 spot worldwide, with its growing number of partnerships with higher education institutions, industry players, government agencies, as well as foundations and charitable organizations here and abroad.