La Salle goes up one bracket higher, emerges as top PH university for SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17, Partnership for the Goals.

De La Salle University (DLSU) is among the world’s leading HEIs pursuing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), scoring higher across all categories, according to the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Ratings (previously THE Impact Rankings).

The 2026 edition evaluated 1,646 universities from 116 territories based on their progress towards the SDGs. The yearly rankings reflect sustainability-related outcomes from the previous academic year 2023-2024. DLSU was the pioneering Philippine participant of the then-called Impact Rankings when the program launched in 2019.

This year, the University advanced to the global top 601-800 bracket overall. DLSU rose to be the top Philippine university for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

The University was assessed according to six SDGs: Life Below Water (top 101-200 bracket globally), Responsible Consumption and Production (101-200), Decent Work and Economic Growth (201-300), Partnership for the Goals (201-300), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (401-600), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (401-600).

In pursuit of Decent Work and Economic Growth, or SDG 8, the University modeled the highest standards of employment practices and labor rights with the DLSU Code of Ethical Conduct, the Safe Spaces Policy and Program, and the Mental Health Policy that are facilitated by the Lasallian Center for Inclusion, Diversity and Well-being (LCIDWell) under the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission (OVPLM). 

Fellow OVPLM units such as the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) Service-Learning Programs in collaboration with various academic departments, and a record 80 civic welfare training projects through the NSTP and Formation Office (NFO) were also SDG 8 highlights. 

For Responsible Consumption and Production, or SDG 12, DLSU expanded ethical procurement and waste minimization efforts thanks to the Supply Chain Management Office (SCMO), Building and Grounds Management Office (BGMO), and the University Sustainability Office (USO) Sustainability Hubs of both Manila and Laguna campuses. That year, total waste recycled climbed to 38.97% across University premises.

In addressing Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure or SDG 9, Lasallian research center accomplishments shone as championed by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), especially for: patents citing university research across all fields, STEM research income by the SHORE Center, and “spinoff” startup companies guided by the DLSU Innovation and Technology Office (DITO).

University outcomes related to Good Health and Wellbeing, or SDG 3, also embodied the Lasallian mission through extensive outreach organized by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA); as well as holistic (physical, mental, and sexual) healthcare of students and employees by the Health Services Office (HSO), Lasallian Center for Inclusion, Diversity and Well-being (LCIDWell), and Office of Counseling and Career Services (OCCS).

For SDG 17 or Partnership for the Goals, DLSU continued to be a leading proponent of the SDGs as the national network host United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN); the national science partner of the Sustainable Consumption and Production Hotspot Analysis Tool (SCP-HAT) project by UN Environment; and a research partner of the national Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2). Other notable achievements include NFO-led civic engagement programs, and the DLSU SDG City Project of COSCA, USO, and the Jesse M. Robredo Institute for Governance (JRIG).

In his statement, USO Executive Director Antonio Maralit says, “As the 2030 deadline set by the United Nations for the realization of the SDGs draws closer, we are all enjoined to strive even harder. We see THE Impact Rating results as an affirmation, as well as a motivation, for us to continue working towards the attainment of the goals.

Currently, the University is mapping out decarbonization targets; partnering with governments and communities; enhancing social engagement programs; improving our operations– all necessary foundations for a hope-filled future. We must not grow weary of responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, especially as we continue our journey in living out Laudato Si’.”