Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) has achieved another global milestone after earning its first-ever inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, joining universities worldwide recognized for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In its inaugural appearance, OLFU was placed in the 1501+ overall band among 1,646 higher education institutions from 116 countries and territories evaluated for their contributions to sustainable development.
The University posted its strongest performance in SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, ranking 401–600 globally. OLFU also secured rankings in SDG 4: Quality Education (1001+), SDG 13: Climate Action (801+), and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (1501+).
Formerly known as the THE Impact Rankings, the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings is the only global university rankings dedicated exclusively to measuring higher education institutions’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Unlike conventional rankings that focus primarily on academic reputation and research output, the ratings assess universities through four pillars—research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching—to measure their overall sustainability impact.
For OLFU, whose heritage is deeply rooted in the health sciences and community service, its strong showing in Good Health and Well-being reflects decades of commitment to educating healthcare professionals and extending meaningful health services beyond the classroom. The University’s inclusion likewise recognizes its continuing efforts to advance quality education, environmental stewardship, and collaborative partnerships that contribute to national and global development.
The achievement places OLFU among a select group of Philippine higher education institutions gaining international recognition for sustainability, further strengthening the country’s growing presence in global university rankings.
The milestone was also recognized by the Commission on Higher Education – National Capital Region (CHED-NCR), which congratulated OLFU alongside other NCR higher education institutions featured in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. The region recorded the highest number of ranked institutions in the country, with eight NCR universities making their debut in this year’s global assessment.
The recognition comes as OLFU prepares to celebrate its 60th Founding Anniversary in 2027. From its beginnings as a single institution, the University has grown into one of the country’s leading multidisciplinary universities, expanding its academic programs, strengthening research and innovation, and deepening its commitment to service and nation-building.
The historic debut adds another international distinction to OLFU’s growing portfolio of global recognitions, underscoring its mission of delivering transformative education while creating lasting, positive impact on communities in the Philippines and beyond.
Story by Raymond Lumagsao
