In its debut assessment, the Caraga State University solidified its dominance by becoming the top university in the Philippines and 44th in the world out of 1,267 institutions for Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty. This result was revealed in the live announcement of the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking last June 18, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.
As the only new name to break into the national Top 10 HEIs, the university’s inclusion is a point of pride not only for the institution but for the whole of Mindanao and the region.
The THE Impact Rankings are among the most prestigious evaluations of performance for HEIs globally in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The methodology combines research outputs, quantitative metrics, and evidence of institutional policies, all aimed at promoting and recognizing universities’ contributions to sustainable societal impact.
Road to the Top
Becoming the first in the Philippines to push the drive towards alleviating poverty came through a strategic combination of research-driven initiatives, community engagement, and strong partnerships. CSU has actively implemented programs that enhance livelihood opportunities and promote economic self-sufficiency, especially among marginalized populations within and outside the university walls. By leveraging its academic strengths and resources, the university has introduced practical, evidence-based solutions aimed at promoting economic development and uplifting underserved communities.
CSU’s success stems from its commitment to comprehensive, data-informed research that directly supports policy and program development. Through projects focused on sustainable agriculture, microenterprise development, and technology-based education, CSU has created scalable models tailored to local needs.
In 2023, CSU launched several impactful initiatives, such as technology transfer of agriculture innovations, technology commercialization of university-grown systems, agricultural production programs, and community-based livelihoods. The university also supported Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), indigenous peoples, and vulnerable groups through targeted training, educational support, and skills development. Collaborations with local governments, NGOs, and industry stakeholders have further strengthened these efforts. All these activities and innovations included a strong involvement of the university’s resources, skills, and passion for promoting economic empowerment and narrowing income inequality.
What is Next for CSU?
The award confirms the university as the top-ranked institution in Mindanao and Caraga, distinguishing it as the only institution from the area to break and lead into the 601–800th global bracket. It now shares this honor with globally recognized HEIs such as Ifugao State University, Leyte Normal University, Mariano Marcos State University, Saint Louis University, and the University of Santo Tomas.
The university’s approach to SDG 1 reflects a long-term vision grounded in continuous innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong commitment to sustainable poverty alleviation. In the coming years, CSU plans to
“intensify our efforts and strategically prepare for the next assessment cycle—not merely to sustain our ranking, but to clearly demonstrate the tangible impact of our initiatives on the lives of the communities we serve,” says Dr. Jeffrey T. Dellosa, the Vice President for Research and Development, Innovation and Extension.
The university also plans to reconstitute its sustainability committee and identify SDG champions to address gaps for improvement and develop policies in advancing not only SDG 1 but all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as part of its collective responsibility and commitment to global development.
