Universidad de Manila Achieves Multiple Top 100 Placements in WURI 2026 Rankings

By URELIA

The World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026 has officially recognized Universidad de Manila (UDM) as one of the world’s leading innovative institutions, earning multiple placements in the Top 100 across various global categories while sustaining its position among the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities.

Established in 2019 by the Institute for Policy & Strategy on National Competitiveness (IPSNC) in collaboration with the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU), WURI was created to redefine global university rankings by focusing on innovation, real-world impact, and societal contribution rather than traditional academic metrics. This approach aligns strongly with UDM’s mission as a local university committed to community engagement, inclusive education, and transformative research, making its strong performance in WURI 2026 a clear reflection of its relevance and global competitiveness.

Top Performing Projects and Global Rankings

UDM’s highest distinction came under the Representative Research Project (C1) category, securing an impressive Rank 2 worldwide for:

• EAT–Seismic Sentinel Initiative: Building an AI-Enabled University Ecosystem for Earthquake Resilience, Life Safety, and Community Protection
  Project Leader/Team:
  Dr. Jonathan Q. De Leon, Engr. Maricar Caliliw, Engr. Wilfredo Mapalo, Dr. Silvia C. Ambag

This groundbreaking initiative underscores UDM’s leadership in AI-driven disaster resilience and community safety systems, positioning the university at the forefront of innovation in addressing real-world challenges.

Strong Performance Across Multiple Categories

UDM further demonstrated excellence across diverse areas:

• Rank 26 – Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty (A7)
  Project SHAKE (Supporting Household and LGU’s Awareness and Knowledge for Earthquake Preparedness)
  Team: Prof. Alistair B. Selorio, Dr. Virginia I. Berganio, Mr. Engelbert M. Yalong, Prof. Christina P. Atal
• Rank 26 – University Brand and Reputation (B8)
  UDM iCONNECT: International Collaboration, Openness, Networking, New Exchanges, and Capacity Transformation
  Team: Dr. Silvia C. Ambag, Dr. Racidon P. Bernarte
• Rank 27 – Visionary Leadership (B1)
  Transforming a Local University into a Global Model: The Visionary Leadership of Dr. Felma Carlos-Tria
  Lead: Dr. Racidon P. Bernarte
• Rank 32 – Culture and Values (B4)
  UDM Transformative Values and Cultural Leadership Initiative (UDM-TVCLI)
  Team: Dr. Robert Norberte, Mr. Iserlohn Peter M. Lim, Dr. Enriquito Mahinay Jr., Dr. Amalfi B. Tabin Jr., Dr. Rizalino D. Flores, Dr. Luz P. Banez, Dr. Francis Arlando Atienza
• Rank 45 – Curricular Innovation for Future-Readiness (C3)
  Program FUSE – Future-Ready University Skills Enhancement Curriculum
  Team: Dr. Noami Solano, Pamela Fortuno, Augusta Altobar

Innovation for Sustainability, Leadership, and Inclusion

Additional recognitions highlight UDM’s holistic approach to innovation:

• Rank 53 – Funding for Sustainability (B5)
  UDM Integrated Scholarship Ecosystem for Sustainable Student Success (UDM-ISESS)
  Team: Ms. Nancy J. Tejada, Dr. Rosalie Marzo-Catu
• Rank 88 – Empowerment-Based Management (B2)
  UDM EmpowerED Innovation Team: Collective Leadership for Institutional Transformation
  Team: Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria, Rejan L. Tadeo, Nancy J. Tejada, Rodolfo V. Castillo Jr., Jeffrey F. Litan, Mr. Emmanuel V. Gatdula, Manuel Richard B. Martinez
• Rank 94 – Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved (C6)
  UDM C.A.R.E.S (Crisis Aid, Relief, and Economic Security)
  Team: Prof. Alistair B. Selorio, Dr. Enriquito Mahinay Jr., Dr. Noami D. Solano, Dr. Amalfi B. Tabin Jr., Dr. Rizalino D. Flores, Dr. Luz P. Banez, Dr. Francis Arlando Atienza
• Rank 97 – Ethics and Integrity (A6)
  Associate in Barangay Governance (ABG) Program
  Team: Dr. Nenita Buan, Dr. Racidon P. Bernarte, Dr. Silvia C. Ambag, Ms. Laarni Hernandez

Leadership Statement

UDM President Dr. Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria expressed pride in the university’s global achievement, emphasizing the collective effort behind the recognition:

“This recognition in the WURI 2026 Rankings affirms Universidad de Manila’s unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusive education, and community transformation. Our achievements reflect the dedication of our faculty, researchers, and partners who continuously strive to create solutions that respond to real societal needs. As a local university, we are proud to stand on the global stage, proving that meaningful innovation begins with service to our people.”

A Testament to Innovation and Transformational Leadership

The WURI 2026 results affirm UDM’s growing reputation as a globally competitive and innovation-driven university, guided by visionary leadership and a strong culture of collaboration. The university’s initiatives reflect a deep commitment to:

• Disaster resilience and public safety
• Global partnerships and academic networking
• Inclusive education and community empowerment
• Sustainable development and student success

Through these achievements, Universidad de Manila continues to elevate its position as a model local university with global impact, contributing meaningful solutions to societal challenges.