By Karren Jay G. Asgar & Mikee N. Norico

Representatives from various units and departments across the University pose for a group photo after the successful orientation on the CPU KapitBayan Awards (CKBA) and World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) at the Educational Media Center Conference Room on August 27, 2025.

On August 27, 2025, the Central Philippine University Office of Institutional Advancement (CPU OIA) held an orientation on the CPU KapitBayan Awards (CKBA) and the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) at the Educational Media Center Conference Room. The activity gathered representatives from various units and departments across the University.

The program opened with a registration facilitated by Ms. Jazel May D. Juntoria, Secretary of the OIA, followed by an opening prayer led by Prof. Praise E. Glory, Principal of CPU Kindergarten. Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, delivered the opening remarks.

“With the establishment of this new office, I am committed to steering our agenda toward initiatives that ensure sustainability and long-term benefits for our partners and communities. Recognition by WURI is just the beginning. By being included in this global ranking, CPU gains opportunities for greater visibility, stronger partnerships, enhanced research collaborations, promotion of innovative outputs, and new support for projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals,” Dr. Romallosa said.

She further underscored that the WURI recognition opens doors for CPU to demonstrate its commitment to shaping solutions that truly matter. “Today’s orientation aims to encourage more participation from our various departments and units. The more we engage, the more diverse, impactful, and innovative our contributions will be,” she added.

Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Student Recruitment Officer, then presented the objectives of the orientation: to introduce the purpose, scope, and significance of the CKBA and WURI rankings; explain the categories and selection process of the CKBA, which serve as the University’s entry point to WURI; and encourage broad participation and a culture of innovation and sustainable impact aligned with the University’s objectives.

Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the OIA, led the discussion on the KapitBayan Awards and WURI rankings. She highlighted CPU’s role in contributing to the Philippine Development Plan, which emphasizes increasing the number of higher education institutions recognized in international rankings such as QS, Times Higher Education, and WURI. CPU first joined WURI in 2024, showcasing innovative programs and community-based projects. To further support this effort, the University launched the KapitBayan Awards to encourage faculty and staff to develop initiatives with real societal, economic, and environmental impact.

According to Dr. Castigador, participating in the CKBA and WURI enables CPU to enhance its international visibility, strengthen its autonomous status, elevate its global ranking, and fulfill its mission as a Christian institution, serving as a light in education, innovation, and service.

Participants were given time to raise questions and seek clarifications. Dr. Castigador also outlined the next steps: drafting entries using KapitBayan forms to be emailed to departments; studying previous winning entries; publishing online articles about projects with stakeholder feedback, as ranking bodies now prioritize online documentation; organizing a write shop if necessary; and finalizing the schedule for submission and judging by October.

The orientation concluded with a closing prayer led by Atty. Taala.

For more details on the World University Rankings for Innovation, visit the official website: https://www.wuri.world To know more about CPU’s latest achievement in the WURI 2025 Rankings, you may visit our official news page at https://cpu.edu.ph/news/central-philippine-university-makes-historic-debut-in-wuri-2025-rankings