08 August 2023
Samar State University (SSU) tops all universities worldwide, maintaining its Top 1 spot under the Fourth Industrial Revolution category as announced this year, 2023, by the World’s Universities with Real Impact, now the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
The project titled “3D Visualization of Citywide Geohazard Mapping and Simulation of What-if Scenarios using Geospatial Research and Data Analytics” has secured the same spot for the University.
Representing a groundbreaking advancement in urban planning and disaster management by leveraging state-of-the-art geospatial data analytics and 3D visualization techniques, the project pioneers a comprehensive citywide geohazard mapping and simulation system wherein the resulting maps will have a scenario-based comprehensive plan contributing to risk reduction and creating resilient communities.
This winning entry is just one of the various innovative projects implemented by the 10 established research centers of SSU and funded by its strong enablers—the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Science and Technology, and Local Government Units among others.
Last year, SSU’s “Smart Edubox─A Wireless Sensor Based Educational Service Delivery” project was ranked 1st under the same category. Additionally, the University ranked 43rd in Industrial Application, 50th in Crisis Management, and 51st -100th in Entrepreneurial Spirit categories, respectively.
“So far, SSU is the only Philippine Higher Education Institution that landed on the highest spot for two consecutive years as WURI analyzes the universities’ real contributions along Industrial Application; Value-Creating; Social Responsibility, Ethics, and Integrity; Student Mobility and Openness; Crisis Management; and Progress during the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said SSU President Marilyn Cardoso.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) meanwhile vowed to strengthen its internationalization policies and initiatives toward improving the Philippine Higher Education sector. This is in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to continue developing international cooperation to enhance the Philippine education system.
“Makikita sa ranking ng SSU na tuloy-tuloy ang pag galing ng ating mga pamantasan dahil sa ganda ng kanilang mga proyekto at pag kumpara nila sa kanilang ginagawa sa mga pamantasan sa ibang bansa. Malinaw na hindi mo na kailangang magpunta sa Metro Manila para makakuha ng de-kalidad na edukasyon. Pwede kang mag-aral sa SSU at iba pang mga pampublikong pamantasan na libre at de-kalidad ang mga programa,” said CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera.
“Congratulations to SSU for the back-to-back high rankings in The World University Rankings with Real Impact (WURI) for 2022 and 2023! Your continued efforts to innovate and improve the quality of courses for our Samarnon students heavily impact the future of our province. We are proud to be working alongside you in shaping a better Samar,” said Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan.
And as the University finishes 10 notches higher in Industrial Application, 43rd in Ethical Value, 51st-100th in Crisis Management, and one of the Global Top 101-200 Innovative Universities for 2023, SSU commits to continuously produce innovative programs and projects that yield wide and positive impacts.
(SIGNED)
J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III, DPA
Chairman
Commission on Higher Education
Philippines