CBSUA tops Bicol HEIs in UI GreenMetric ratings; ranks 23rd

By Dong Deiparine

The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) ranked first among participating higher education institutions in the Bicol Region and 23rd nationwide in the 2026 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, placing 559th globally among 2,016 universities evaluated.

CBSUA earned a total score of 6,790 points, placing it among the top 28% of participating institutions worldwide. Its global ranking improved by 289 places from its 848th position in 2023.

Four other Bicol institutions also appeared in the 2026 rankings. Sorsogon State University (SorSU) ranked second in the region, placing 65th nationally and 1,070th worldwide, with 5,420 points.

Catanduanes State University (CatSU) placed third among Bicol institutions, followed by the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) in Naga City in fourth and Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) in Nabua in fifth.

Based on the compiled regional ranking table, CatSU, UNC and CSPC recorded 5,105, 5,077.5 and 2,137.5 points, respectively.

The 2026 assessment collected data from participating universities between Feb. 26 and June 30, followed by a validation period from July to August. The results were announced in September.

The rankings evaluate universities’ environmental sustainability performance through indicators covering setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste management, water management, transportation, and education and research.

The 2026 assessment also highlights governance and digitalization in advancing sustainable campuses among participating institutions.

CBSUA operates four campuses in Pili, Pasacao, Calabanga and Sipocot. Its sustainability initiatives include resource conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and the integration of sustainability into its curriculum and research.

University President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi attributed the university’s standing to the collective efforts of its administrators, faculty, staff and students.

“Earning the top position in Bicol while steadily rising in national and international ranks is proof of the collective dedication of our administrative leadership, faculty, staff, and student body to our pledge to a Green CBSUA,” Naperi said.

In November 2025, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V recognized the university for its international rankings and accreditations, including distinctions associated with the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, QS Stars, the World University Rankings for Innovation 2025, and the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024.

In March 2026, CHED Regional Office V also recognized CBSUA as Bicol’s Top Lifelong Learning Mature Provider.

CBSUA also retained its ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification following a surveillance audit conducted on April 13–14, 2026.