October 21, 2025 – In pursuant to the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V (CHED RO V) memorandum 117 ,s . 2025 the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), through its International Relations Office (IRO) led by Dr. Nikki Faith Bantillo, spearheaded the WURI Academy Mentoring Session as part of the institution’s preparation for the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) qualification.
Among higher education institutions (HEIs) in Masbate, Osmeña Colleges was the only institution that accepted DEBESMSCAT’s invitation to take part in the collaborative mentoring activity. Representatives from the college joined DEBESMSCAT officials and selected writers for the session, which centered on orientation, brainstorming, and planning related to the WURI qualification process.
In his welcome message, Dr. Erwin H. Malto, Vice President for Administration and Finance, expressed his appreciation to the participants for their engagement and commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among HEIs in the province. Dr. Bantillo provided an in-depth orientation on the WURI framework, including its guidelines, categories, and evaluation metrics. The session also featured a planning workshop where selected writers from both institutions discussed strategies, categories, and prepared documentation in support for upcoming submission for the 2026 qualification.
Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, Innovation, Creative Works, and Knowledge Management Dr. Rodolfo B. Burac Jr. acknowledged the representatives from Osmeña Colleges for accepting the challenge of participating in the WURI initiative. In his message, he emphasized that joining WURI is a testament to the unwavering dedication of educators in Masbate to pursue excellence and innovation for the Masbateños.
In 2025, DEBESMSCAT was recognized among the world’s most innovative universities, securing Rank 370 globally. The institution also earned distinctions in three major categories: Rank 32 in Empowerment-Based Management, Rank 34 in Industrial Application, and Rank 47 in Student Mobility and Openness.
WURI evaluates Higher Education Institutions worldwide based on their real-world contributions to industry and society, with a focus on creativity, engagement, and transformative education. For 2026 qualification, it uses 24 categories that measure innovative targets and methods, emphasizing how institutions address societal challenges through inventive approaches.
Participation in WURI highlights an institution’s dedication to real-world impact, creativity, global collaboration, and continuous improvement qualities that not only bring international recognition but also foster national pride.
Through its continued involvement in the WURI initiative, DEBESMSCAT reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of higher education by transforming knowledge into meaningful and innovative change for the Masbateños, in line with the DAMGO vision and leadership culture Together Everyone Achieve More (T.E.A.M) of SUC President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca.
Ladies and gentlemen,
