At yesterday’s National Higher Education Day Summit (NHEDS) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. voiced concern over the absence of Philippine universities in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education’s 2024 Asia University Rankings, despite an increase in the number of higher educational institutions (HEIs) included in global rankings.

The count of ranked HEIs has risen to 81 from 52 in July 2023, reflecting significant progress. The Philippines currently has 1,977 HEIs, including 113 state universities and colleges, 137 local universities and colleges, 1,714 private institutions, and 13 other government-supervised and special schools.

However, no Philippine university has reached Top 100 in the regional survey, “with the country’s top schools either dropping or maintaining their rankings,” the president said.

“This underscores the substantial work ahead… We need a comprehensive strategy to improve our standings. The quality of education today shapes the nation’s future,” Marcos added.

He emphasized the need to work together with private institutions, set firm yardsticks for academic standards and equip the youth with the right skills to succeed in a fast-paced world.

The NHEDS, where Marcos served as keynote speaker, is the first summit to celebrate the 4th National Higher Education Day and the 30th anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education, established by the Higher Education Act of 1994.

“This day is indeed historic as no Philippine president has joined our celebration for more than one decade,” CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera III said.