Apayao State College (ASC) has once again carved its name on the global academic stage, earning the Gawad Parangal sa Pandaigdigang Kahusayan 2025 for its remarkable achievements in internationalization, innovation, and sustainability.
The recognition was conferred during the Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation (FLAIR) Masterclass in CAR: Upscaling Programs and Projects, Leveraging Internationalization and Futures Thinking (UPLIFT 2025), held from September 30 to October 1, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Medical Center, Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio City.
The Gawad Parangal is an initiative of the Commission on Higher Education–Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) to honor higher education institutions (HEIs) that excel in enhancing their international presence and align their programs with global standards.
Established in 2023, the FLAIR-UPLIFT program aims to build the global reputation of HEIs by fostering collaborations, embracing sustainability, and improving performance in international university rankings.
ASC’s recognition comes on the heels of significant milestones that reflect its steady ascent in the global academic landscape. Under the leadership of Dr. John N. Cabansag, SUC President, the college secured a 1501+ ranking in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and earned the 221st spot in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025 — achievements that place ASC among globally competitive institutions.
Leading the college’s participation at the FLAIR-UPLIFT 2025 masterclass was Dr. Philip Constantine L. Mandac, Director of International Affairs and Linkages, joined by Dr. Marvelyn D. Ignacio, Science Research Specialists Nathaniel Llamelo and Ma. Cristina Aguda, and Mr. Dennis Dizon, staff member of IAL.
Hosted by SLU, this year’s masterclass brought together HEIs across the Cordillera to refine their strategies for international recognition through global ranking systems such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), THE Impact Rankings, and WURI.
With reports and photos by: ASC – International Affairs and Linkages FB Page
