The Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) conducted a hybrid validation visit at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on July 11, 2025, to evaluate the HEI’s BS Interior Design program as part of the process in securing a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).
Dr. Raquel B. Florendo and Arch. Rossano G. Baradi, RQAT members, assessed various facets of institutional operations, encompassing administrative organization, academic instruction, research activities, outreach programs, governance mechanisms, and infrastructure resources.
They also reviewed the application reports, conducted on-site inspections of the institution’s library and laboratory facilities, and interviewed key personnel of the institution.
Engr. Leonora Quarte, Education Supervisor II for Engineering programs, provided technical assistance during the activity.
The team disclosed the evaluation findings and provided their recommendations during the exit conference, which was attended by the members of the institution’s administration, led by Dr. Fatima Rocamora, UNP’s vice president for research and extension and Dr. Ashley Paulino Martinez, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design.
𝘣𝘺 𝘓. 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦

This year, 18 Region 1 universities and colleges shine in 15 out of 16 WURI Innovation Categories. Here’s a snapshot of the standouts:
Urdaneta City University (UCU) clinched the No. 1 overall ranking in the Philippines and ranked 44th worldwide, dominating several key WURI category ranks:
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗔𝟯)
1st – World Rank
1st – Country Rank
𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 (𝗔𝟮)
4th – World Rank
1st – Country Rank
𝗦𝗗𝗚-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 (𝗔𝟴)
2nd – World Rank
2nd – Country Rank
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) also showed outstanding performance, placing 3rd in the world ranking and securing the 1st spot in the country ranking for Ethics and Integrity (A6).
Furthermore, Panpacific University, a private HEI, was recognized as 4th in the world ranking and 2nd in the country ranking for Ethics and Integrity category.
Meanwhile, Northwestern University, Inc. made a bold mark by claiming 3rd spot in the world ranking and 1st country ranking in Visionary Leadership (B1).
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) also improved its performance from the previous ranking, garnering 5th spot in the world ranking and 4th in the country ranking in Empowered-Based Management (B2).
Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union and the Union Christian College joined the roster of internationally-ranked HEIs in the region as they debut on the said ranking.
These wins reflect our region’s passion for social impact, industry partnerships, and innovation, representing the region’s collective pursuit of meaningful, impactful, and ethical education. As global competitiveness in education intensifies, the strong performance of Region 1 HEIs in the WURI Rankings signals a promising future for the education sector in the Ilocos Region.
“Seeing our universities gain recognition on a global stage fills me with immense pride,” says CHED RO1 RD Christine Nabor Ferrer.
“This achievement underlines what we can do when data, innovation, and collaboration intersect. We’re committed to scaling these best practices across all HEIs in Region 1—preparing graduates not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers that drive regional development,” Dr. Ferrer added.
👉 Swipe each slide for the full category breakdown. Stay tuned for our “Innovation in Action” mini-series!
#CHEDRO1 #WURI2025 #IlocosPride

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Ms. Eren Joy Bautista, Public Engagement Specialist of the US Embassy in the Philippines, conducts an orientation program on Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) for Region 1 HEI faculty members and students, via Zoom on July 15, 2025