The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized the exemplary performance of Saint Mary’s University in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) on the occasion of the Commission’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-building and Sustainability Awards (ICONS), held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Dec. 16, 2024.

University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina received the award from CHED Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera in the ceremony attended by the Presidents and top administrators of the different state and private universities and colleges in the Philippines with international rankings.

The award is also in recognition of SMU’s contribution to the internationalization of Philippine higher education. Earlier, SMU was ranked by WURI, a globally recognized ranking body, as one of the Top 300 Innovative Universities in the World, specifically earning the Top 273 spot. 

ICONS Awards is an annual event organized by CHED to commend the efforts of Philippine HEIs who have gone above and beyond in championing the Philippine higher education sector on the international stage.