Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) placed 284th in the latest World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), a global ranking that evaluates how universities respond to real-world concerns through programs, systems, and community-based initiatives.
This year, DSSC received recognition in several categories based on projects and institutional practices submitted for evaluation.
DSSC’s highest placement came under B4 – Culture and Values, where it ranked 2nd for the program “Empowering Heritage: Sustaining the Bagobo-Tagabawa Identity Through Innovation and Inclusive Development.” The project focused on documenting the Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices of the Bagobo-Tagabawa community while supporting traditional weaving, beadwork, and cultural production through training, community engagement, and cultural preservation activities. The initiative was championed by Dr. Siverlyn M. Camposano, Vice President for Academic Affairs, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Department of Science and Technology.
The College also received recognition in the following categories:
C7 – University-Based Entrepreneurial Projects – Rank 85
C5 – Social Impact through Knowledge Transfer – Rank 89
B2 – Empowerment-Based Management – Rank 91
Under C7, DSSC was recognized for the “DSSC NextGen Ag-Athon: Transformative Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative.” The program introduced students to agribusiness innovation through startup development, entrepreneurial pitching, mentoring, and community-based agricultural solutions. The initiative was championed by Cherry Ann P. Roxas, Director for Research Development and Innovation, through the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management Office.
For C5, the College was recognized for the project “Global Plastics Leakage Baseline – Southern Mindanao, Philippines.” The initiative became the country’s first large-scale scientific assessment of plastic pollution across inland, riverine, coastal, and marine environments in Southern Mindanao. Faculty members and students worked as field researchers alongside local and international partners in gathering environmental data used for monitoring and policy discussions. The project was championed by Harold E. Fuentes, Assistant Professor.
Meanwhile, the recognition under B2 came from the extension initiative “From Ridge to Reef: A Transformative Extension Program for Sustainable Upland and Coastal Communities.” The program connected communities with training and support related to agriculture, environmental management, livelihood, and community development across upland, lowland, and coastal areas in Davao del Sur. The initiative was championed by Dr. Queenie Lyn G. Almerez, Director for Extension and Community Services.
Unlike rankings that focus mainly on publications or institutional prestige, WURI evaluates how universities apply knowledge to practical concerns affecting communities and society. DSSC’s recognition came from programs that combined instruction, research, extension, innovation, and community engagement.
The results also relate to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through programs that connect academic work with community needs and collaborative development efforts.
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