By Mikee Natinga Norico
From right to left: Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, and Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante, faculty member of the CPU College of Business and Accountancy, receive the University’s plaque of recognition during the 2025 WURI Global Conference at Tongmyong University in Busan, South Korea, where CPU was ranked among the top innovative universities worldwide.
Central Philippine University (CPU) has once again earned international recognition for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, following its inclusion in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
The University ranked #46 in ESG Trend and #75 in SDG-Based Responses to Global Challenges, highlighting CPU’s pioneering efforts to connect research, technology, and social transformation. The recognition was conferred during the 2025 WURI Global Conference held at Tongmyong University in Busan, South Korea, from September 24 to 26, 2025, where University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante represented the University during the awarding ceremony.
At the core of this achievement is Project AGUBAY, CPU’s flagship initiative that integrates digital innovation, environmental governance, and community empowerment—addressing solid waste management through data-driven solutions.
WURI: Recognizing Innovation that Impacts Society
Unlike traditional rankings that emphasize academic outputs, WURI evaluates how universities create real-world change through innovation, social responsibility, and collaboration.
CPU’s inclusion in WURI reflects the University’s leadership in translating academic expertise into actionable community programs. Its distinction in both ESG and SDG categories underscores CPU’s strong commitment to sustainability and its capacity to serve as a model of transformative innovation in Southeast Asia.
“This recognition proves that local innovation can make a global impact,” shared Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante, Project Leader of AGUBAY. “Our mission was to empower barangays to manage waste better through data and training. WURI saw that we turned this mission into measurable, community-level impact.”
AGUBAY: Innovation Rooted in Community
Funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and implemented in partnership with the Iloilo City Government, Project AGUBAY—Awareness, Guidance, Unity, Biodiversity, Action, and Yield—introduced the city’s first Solid Waste Management Information System (SWM-IS).
The SWM-IS allows all 180 barangays of Iloilo City to record, analyze, and report waste segregation, collection, recovery, and diversion data in real time. It generates standard templates for planning, reporting, and compliance while strengthening policy coordination among local offices.
Leading the project is Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante, supported by her core team: Prof. Rea Balontong – Systems Analyst, Dr. Sheila Sapul – Project Administrator, Mr. Rodolfo Erigia – Senior Programmer, and Ms. Roda Erigia – Junior Programmer.
AGUBAY is implemented in collaboration with the General Services Office (GSO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and City Planning and Development Office (CPDO)—demonstrating CPU’s effective partnership model between academe and government.
Expanding Impact: From Iloilo to the Nation
The success of Project AGUBAY in Iloilo City has inspired other local government units and non-government organizations to explore replicating the model in their own localities. Several LGUs in Western Visayas and neighboring regions, as well as environmental NGOs focused on circular economy initiatives, have expressed interest in adopting the SWM-IS framework and training modules developed by CPU.
This growing attention validates AGUBAY’s design as a scalable innovation, adaptable to diverse local contexts and sustainable beyond the project’s initial implementation.
“AGUBAY is proof that innovation doesn’t stop at invention—it’s about replication and impact,” Dr. Penetrante added. “When others adopt the model, the change multiplies. That’s what WURI truly values—innovation that spreads.”
A Legacy of Sustainable Transformation
Project AGUBAY goes beyond digital tools. It builds a culture of environmental accountability and community participation. Through barangay training programs, digital literacy workshops, and real-time data visualization, the project empowers citizens to take part in the city’s ecological goals.
As CPU continues to mentor other LGUs and NGOs interested in replication, the University demonstrates how higher education can serve as a catalyst for national sustainability transformation—fulfilling its mission to transform lives for the glory of God.
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