#SoaringBeyondLimits: SLSU Achieves Major Global Leap in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026
“It is incumbent upon the University to continually raise the bar of excellence. This recognition is merely the icing on the cake. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our faculty and staff, students, alumni, and partners for their unceasing commitment to elevating the University to stand at par with leading academic institutions in the country and abroad, despite our limited fiscal space. Together, let us keep #SoaringBeyondLimits.”
— Jude A. Duarte, University President
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) continues to embody its official tagline, #SoaringBeyondLimits, after recording a remarkable rise in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings and securing a place within the 801–1000 global ranking bracket, a significant leap from its previous 1500+ standing in 2024 and 2025.
Among its strongest performances was SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), where SLSU ranked within the 201–300 global bracket, making it the University's highest-performing Sustainable Development Goal in the 2026 assessment. This notable achievement reflects SLSU's commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness, transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of inclusive and accountable institutions. The University also demonstrated strong performance in SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land), securing rankings within the 301–400 bracket worldwide. These results highlight SLSU's growing contributions to food security, environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management.
The University's performance across multiple SDGs reflects its holistic approach to sustainability — one that integrates instruction, research, extension, governance, infrastructure, community engagement, and international partnerships. Anchored on the LUPAD Strategic Development Plan and its vision of becoming a Smart and Green University, SLSU continues to align its initiatives with global sustainability priorities while addressing local and regional development needs.
The University's rise from the 1500+ bracket in 2024 and 2025 to the 801–1000 bracket in 2026 represents one of its most significant improvements in international sustainability rankings to date. More than a ranking milestone, this achievement reflects how SLSU continues to translate its vision into measurable global impact.
As SLSU continues to expand its influence in the global higher education landscape, this latest recognition serves as both an achievement and a challenge to further advance sustainability, excellence, and international competitiveness. More importantly, it reinforces the University's resolve to become a globally recognized Smart and Green University while continuing to embody its enduring commitment to #SoaringBeyondLimits.