Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) secured the 135th spot in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), strengthening its global academic presence and signaling a steady upward trajectory in international institutional performance. The achievement was announced during the 6th Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) Annual Conference and the WURI 2026 Global Rankings Ceremony held from May 6 to 8, 2026, at National Chi Nan University (NCNU) in Puli, Taiwan.
| A2. Student Mobility and Openness | 78th | Dr. Julie Ann A. Orobia | FILFORS: Innovating Filipino Language Instruction through Curriculum Development and Teaching Materials for Foreign Students in CMU |
| A3. Industrial Application | 69th | Dr. Reggie Y. Dela Cruz | PHARMAFERN: Development of Health Products from Ferns |
| A6. Ethics and Integrity | 83rd | Atty. James M. Violon | Justice on Air: Your Legal Guide from the CMU Legal Office |
| A7. Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk | 17th | Dr. Jose M. Obedencio, Jr | CyberBioShield: Safeguarding Digital and Biological Systems in One Health |
| B2. Empowerment-Based Management | 98th | Dr. Reggie Y. Dela Cruz | Empowerment -Based Leadership in Building the First Institute of Biological Sciences in Mindanao |
| B7. Cost-Effectiveness Management | 62nd | Prof. Erwin P. Ambasa | One Textbook, Multiple Gains: CMU’s MMW Success Story |
| B8. University Brand and Reputation | 26th | Ms. Loueila O. Joromat | Tatak CMU |
| C3. Curricular Innovation for Future-Readiness | 61st | Dr. Julie Ann A.Orobia | Enhancing Coaching and Teaching Pedagogies (ECATeP) in Private School Educators on Improving Students’ Communication Skills |
| C6. Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved | 53rd | Dr. Daryl Jane A. Caballero | KAMI PUD: Sharing Hope, Expanding Access to Education for Youth in GIDAs (Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas) |
| C7. University-Based Entrepreneurial Projects | 14th | Prof. Shiela C. Poonon | Strengthening Agri -Aqua Start -up Innovation through University -Industry Technology Business Incubation Partnerships |
| C8. Financial Impact-Driven Tech Transfer | 69th | Dr. Rubie A. Arroyo | Innovating Traditional Filipino Cooking Utilizing Low -Cost Solar Oven |
Beyond its overall ranking, CMU saw 11 of its 37 submitted entries ranked in the Global Top 100 across various categories. Listed below are the entries, including their respective ranks and categories.
Beyond the rankings, the conference served as a channel for long-term international partnerships. CMU delegates joined representatives from 120 universities across 15 countries in the signing of a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement establishes a framework for joint research initiatives, technology transfer, and faculty and student exchanges.
CMU delegates also presented programs and research initiatives that highlighted the university’s efforts to advance inclusive education, sustainability, entrepreneurship, curriculum innovation, and community engagement.
These presentations were “The Right to Education vs. Institutional Capacity: A Legal Inquiry into Admission Quotas in Central Mindanao University Under Republic Act 10931” by Atty. James M. Violon, “Breaking the Waste Cycle: A Traceable and Systems-Engineered Waste Management Program” by Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong, “Kahibulungan Bazaar: A University Experiential TradeLab for Student Entrepreneurs” by Dr. Daryl Jane A. Caballero, and “Capitalizing on Curriculum: The 1:56 ROI of In-House Instructional Assets” by Prof. Erwin P. Ambasa.
The WURI rankings evaluate universities based on their real-world impact and social responsibility rather than traditional academic metrics. CMU officials noted that the university’s improved performance reflects its commitment to internationalization and its capacity to address societal challenges through innovative research and community engagement. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero with information from the Office of Quality Assurance]
