THIS article puts the spotlight on the four institutions of higher learning that hosted the 5th Conference of the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) held in Dumaguete City last July 9 to 11, 2025. The event brought together global leaders and institutions in higher education to promote innovation, collaboration and sustainability under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Empowering Change.” These institutions include Negros Oriental State University (Norsu), Silliman University, St. Paul University Dumaguete (SPUD) and Siquijor State College (SSC).
For this article, we will celebrate the achievements of Norsu, SPUD and SSC.
HLU host par excellence
The Norsu has evolved since its humble beginnings in 1907. A year ago, under its new administration headed by president Noel Marjon Yasi, Norsu envisioned a globally recognized state university with the goal of achieving recognition through program excellence. It is focused on its strategic goals to strengthen research through impactful innovation, promote enhanced community extension services, integrate partnerships and international relations, revitalize infrastructure with operational systems, and enrich student life and leadership opportunities.
In 2024, Norsu began its path toward World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). University leaders and researchers who were committed to innovation, educational growth and sustainable programs came together to meet the requirements for each application category. A key part of the university’s preparation was using Futures Thinking, which was crucial in WURI to evaluate how well a university uses foresight and innovative thinking in its strategy and operations.
The vision became reality as Norsu achieved the 167th rank in the Global Top 400 Innovative Universities. Norsu is also proud to hold the 10th rank for Infrastructure/Technologies with its innovative program, “Adaptive Solar Energy Integration for Smart and Sustainable Campus Development.” Furthermore, the university placed 17th in Funding for Sustainability with its program “Sustain: Strategic University Solutions for Thriving and Inclusive Enterprise Development.” Lastly, Norsu ranked 20th in the Ethics and Integrity Category with its innovative program called “Waste to Wealth: Sustaining Livelihood and Promoting Local Circular Economy Framework in Vulnerable Populations.”
This success shows the strong teamwork and collaboration of Norsu leaders, united in their commitment to providing global excellence through quality teaching, meaningful research and sustainable programs. With strategic partnerships and modern facilities, Norsu is dedicated to shaping effective leaders to serve both Philippine society and the world. Norsu’s achievement is a source of pride, hope and future for everyone.
Home of gentle strength and quiet excellence
SPUD has been part of Dumaguete’s story for over a century. Founded in 1904 by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, it began as a small school for girls and grew into a university that shapes both minds and hearts.
At SPUD, students are not just trained to earn degrees, they are guided to find meaning, direction and purpose. Its graduates have consistently passed and topped national board exams, but it’s their quiet strength and gentle leadership that leave a lasting impression.
The campus reflects the same spirit. Green spaces, peaceful corners and thoughtful facilities create an environment where students feel supported. Ongoing developments around the campus show a clear commitment to creating spaces where learning feels relevant, purposeful and ready for the future.
Learning at SPUD is grounded, meaningful and future-ready. But what truly defines the university is its people. Faculty, administrators and staff work not just as professionals, but as mentors, guides and steady companions. They help build a community where students feel seen and supported. Student organizations are active and welcoming, offering spaces where voices are heard, talents are nurtured and dreams quietly begin to take shape. Through campus ministry, leadership formation and outreach programs, students are drawn to causes beyond themselves — learning early what it means to serve with heart.
At its core, SPUD is a mission-driven institution headed by its president, Sr. Mila Grace Silab, SPC. Deeply Catholic in spirit yet welcoming to all, it teaches not only knowledge but also kindness, faith and service. The Paulinian motto, Caritas Christi Urget Nos (The love of Christ urges us) is more than just a phrase. It is a steady call to lead with compassion, to serve with humility and to live with purpose.
For many, SPUD is more than a school, it is a home where hearts are formed and purpose is lived.
Illuminating the enchanting Siquijor
SSC stands as a living testament to the transformative power of education. In this sacred corner of the Visayas, where the waves carry the spirit of innovation, the tides of knowledge shape the future and dreams through excellence illuminate the path of prosperity for every Siquijodnon, SSC continues to lead as a beacon of hope, development and inspiration.
What began in 1920 as a quiet initiative under the name Larena High School, was renamed Larena Sub-Provincial High School. It became a sanctuary of opportunity for young minds. The school transitioned into the Larena National Vocational School in 1960 and, later, the Larena National Vocational College, offering its first four-year baccalaureate degree programs in vocational fields.
Today, SSC stands as a beacon of academic leadership and cultural relevance in the Central Visayas region. It is 100-percent COPC-accredited, ISO 9001:2015-certified and fully aligned with national standards of excellence. Its mission is grounded in a dynamic commitment to “Instruction, Research, Extension and Production,” cultivating globally competitive, morally upright and community-empowered leaders. SSC envisions itself as a research-driven, technology-oriented and people-centered higher learning institution. Anchored in its core values of service, wisdom, integrity and mindfulness, the college has become a training ground for resilient scholars and professionals.
Under the dynamic leadership of SUC president II, Steven Jumawan Sumaylo, SSC continues to raise the bar of higher education. The institution’s flagship offerings in information technology, industrial technology, education, criminology, hospitality and tourism, marine engineering, marine transportation and development communication are equipping students with skills responsive to today’s demands.
SSC is expanding its academic frontier with the opening of three new engineering programs: civil, mechanical and electrical. Its graduate school cultivates advanced professional competencies. Doctorate-level offerings are also shaping scholars and future policymakers for regional transformation and nation-building.
Beyond the classrooms, SSC thrives as a research powerhouse. Many of the researches have been published in Scopus-indexed and internationally peer-reviewed journals.
SSC’s extension programs remain central to its identity, reaching far beyond campus walls. Internationalization is not a distant aspiration but a present reality.
On the legislative front, SSC is poised for a transformative leap through Senate Bill 2807 and House Bill 10625, seeking to convert the college into the State University of Siquijor Island.
Its students consistently excel in academics, sports, arts and culture. The Teacher Education Program celebrates 100-percent Licensure Examination for Teachers board passing rates, while student-athletes and artists shine in regional and national competitions.
SSC today stands as a lighthouse of higher education — where every diploma earned, every research published and every life touched tells the story of SSC’s enduring promise: to lead with purpose, to grow with wisdom and to shine with integrity.
SSC: Proud of its past. Bold in its present. Prepared for a future.
Cheers to the hosts of HLU.
-END-
SOURCE: The Manila Times
For this article, we will celebrate the achievements of Norsu, SPUD and SSC.
HLU host par excellence
The Norsu has evolved since its humble beginnings in 1907. A year ago, under its new administration headed by president Noel Marjon Yasi, Norsu envisioned a globally recognized state university with the goal of achieving recognition through program excellence. It is focused on its strategic goals to strengthen research through impactful innovation, promote enhanced community extension services, integrate partnerships and international relations, revitalize infrastructure with operational systems, and enrich student life and leadership opportunities.
In 2024, Norsu began its path toward World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). University leaders and researchers who were committed to innovation, educational growth and sustainable programs came together to meet the requirements for each application category. A key part of the university’s preparation was using Futures Thinking, which was crucial in WURI to evaluate how well a university uses foresight and innovative thinking in its strategy and operations.
The vision became reality as Norsu achieved the 167th rank in the Global Top 400 Innovative Universities. Norsu is also proud to hold the 10th rank for Infrastructure/Technologies with its innovative program, “Adaptive Solar Energy Integration for Smart and Sustainable Campus Development.” Furthermore, the university placed 17th in Funding for Sustainability with its program “Sustain: Strategic University Solutions for Thriving and Inclusive Enterprise Development.” Lastly, Norsu ranked 20th in the Ethics and Integrity Category with its innovative program called “Waste to Wealth: Sustaining Livelihood and Promoting Local Circular Economy Framework in Vulnerable Populations.”
This success shows the strong teamwork and collaboration of Norsu leaders, united in their commitment to providing global excellence through quality teaching, meaningful research and sustainable programs. With strategic partnerships and modern facilities, Norsu is dedicated to shaping effective leaders to serve both Philippine society and the world. Norsu’s achievement is a source of pride, hope and future for everyone.
Home of gentle strength and quiet excellence
SPUD has been part of Dumaguete’s story for over a century. Founded in 1904 by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, it began as a small school for girls and grew into a university that shapes both minds and hearts.
At SPUD, students are not just trained to earn degrees, they are guided to find meaning, direction and purpose. Its graduates have consistently passed and topped national board exams, but it’s their quiet strength and gentle leadership that leave a lasting impression.
The campus reflects the same spirit. Green spaces, peaceful corners and thoughtful facilities create an environment where students feel supported. Ongoing developments around the campus show a clear commitment to creating spaces where learning feels relevant, purposeful and ready for the future.
Learning at SPUD is grounded, meaningful and future-ready. But what truly defines the university is its people. Faculty, administrators and staff work not just as professionals, but as mentors, guides and steady companions. They help build a community where students feel seen and supported. Student organizations are active and welcoming, offering spaces where voices are heard, talents are nurtured and dreams quietly begin to take shape. Through campus ministry, leadership formation and outreach programs, students are drawn to causes beyond themselves — learning early what it means to serve with heart.
At its core, SPUD is a mission-driven institution headed by its president, Sr. Mila Grace Silab, SPC. Deeply Catholic in spirit yet welcoming to all, it teaches not only knowledge but also kindness, faith and service. The Paulinian motto, Caritas Christi Urget Nos (The love of Christ urges us) is more than just a phrase. It is a steady call to lead with compassion, to serve with humility and to live with purpose.
For many, SPUD is more than a school, it is a home where hearts are formed and purpose is lived.
Illuminating the enchanting Siquijor
SSC stands as a living testament to the transformative power of education. In this sacred corner of the Visayas, where the waves carry the spirit of innovation, the tides of knowledge shape the future and dreams through excellence illuminate the path of prosperity for every Siquijodnon, SSC continues to lead as a beacon of hope, development and inspiration.
What began in 1920 as a quiet initiative under the name Larena High School, was renamed Larena Sub-Provincial High School. It became a sanctuary of opportunity for young minds. The school transitioned into the Larena National Vocational School in 1960 and, later, the Larena National Vocational College, offering its first four-year baccalaureate degree programs in vocational fields.
Today, SSC stands as a beacon of academic leadership and cultural relevance in the Central Visayas region. It is 100-percent COPC-accredited, ISO 9001:2015-certified and fully aligned with national standards of excellence. Its mission is grounded in a dynamic commitment to “Instruction, Research, Extension and Production,” cultivating globally competitive, morally upright and community-empowered leaders. SSC envisions itself as a research-driven, technology-oriented and people-centered higher learning institution. Anchored in its core values of service, wisdom, integrity and mindfulness, the college has become a training ground for resilient scholars and professionals.
Under the dynamic leadership of SUC president II, Steven Jumawan Sumaylo, SSC continues to raise the bar of higher education. The institution’s flagship offerings in information technology, industrial technology, education, criminology, hospitality and tourism, marine engineering, marine transportation and development communication are equipping students with skills responsive to today’s demands.
SSC is expanding its academic frontier with the opening of three new engineering programs: civil, mechanical and electrical. Its graduate school cultivates advanced professional competencies. Doctorate-level offerings are also shaping scholars and future policymakers for regional transformation and nation-building.
Beyond the classrooms, SSC thrives as a research powerhouse. Many of the researches have been published in Scopus-indexed and internationally peer-reviewed journals.
SSC’s extension programs remain central to its identity, reaching far beyond campus walls. Internationalization is not a distant aspiration but a present reality.
On the legislative front, SSC is poised for a transformative leap through Senate Bill 2807 and House Bill 10625, seeking to convert the college into the State University of Siquijor Island.
Its students consistently excel in academics, sports, arts and culture. The Teacher Education Program celebrates 100-percent Licensure Examination for Teachers board passing rates, while student-athletes and artists shine in regional and national competitions.
SSC today stands as a lighthouse of higher education — where every diploma earned, every research published and every life touched tells the story of SSC’s enduring promise: to lead with purpose, to grow with wisdom and to shine with integrity.
SSC: Proud of its past. Bold in its present. Prepared for a future.
Cheers to the hosts of HLU.
-END-
SOURCE: The Manila Times