From Physician to Public Servant: Cruzado Shares Life Lessons to USM Graduates
June 24, 2026
Now on its third consecutive year in the rankings, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) improved its standing in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings, (formerly Impact Rankings) advancing from the 1501+ bracket in 2025 to the 1001–1500 bracket this year. The university secured its place among 1,603 higher education institutions worldwide evaluated for overall sustainability impact.
This improvement stems from the university’s sustained commitment to initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), its continued support for communities and stakeholders, and its efforts to ensure that teaching, research, extension, and governance contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
In addition to its overall ranking, the university secured placements in 12 SDGs under the 2026 THE Impact Ratings, as detailed below:
SDG 1 No Poverty (601–800) Out of 931 institutions globally
SDG 2 Zero Hunger (401–600) Out of 731 institutions globally
SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing (801–1000) Out of 1254 institutions globally
SDG 4 Quality Education (601–800) Out of 1335 institutions globally
SDG 5 Gender Equality (301–400) Out of 1095 institutions globally
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth (601–800) Out of 1003 institutions globally
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (601–800) Out of 826 institutions globally
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities (801+) Out of 932 institutions globally
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities (601–800) Out of 865 institutions globally
SDG 15 Life on Land (301–400) Out of 658 institutions globally
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (601–800) Out of 914 institutions globally
SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals (1001–1500) Out of 1610 institutions globally
The Times Higher Education Impact Ratings are the only global performance metrics that evaluate universities based on their contributions to the United Nations SDGs. The four core pillars of evaluation that THE Impact Ratings uses were research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.
Joining USM from Region XII are Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC), Holy Child Central Colleges, (HCCC) Inc., Holy Trinity College of General Santos City, Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU-GSC), North Valley College Foundation, Inc. (NVCFI), Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), Green Valley College Foundation, Inc., Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, (RMMC) Inc., and RMMC– Marbel, Inc.
Notably, USM was the only institution from the region included in the rankings in 2024. Through sustained efforts, strong institutional support, and the guidance of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region XII, the number of ranked institutions from the region has grown to twelve this year.
Prof. Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña, the Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA), spearheads the international rankings initiative of USM. He also is the President of the Council of International Relations Officers (CIRO) Region XII.
