𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐀𝐔’𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐖𝐆 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐈𝐆𝐌 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐔𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐀𝐔’𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐖𝐆 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐈𝐆𝐌 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐔𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

Laying the groundwork for a significant leap in global academic standing, the members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) held a meeting at the Office of the President Conference Room on 12 February 2026, to strategize for the UI Greenmetric World University Rankings 2026 and for the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR) 2027.

The session opened with a comprehensive synthesis of previous results presented by Mr. Jerome L. Duque, Information Officer III. He clarified that TAU’s current standing is a direct reflection of the data provided by various units. Mr. Duque also noted that while the university made strides in improving energy, water, and transportation metrics for the UI GreenMetric last year, a lower volume of research output remains a key reason the university's ranking has lagged. 

​A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a structured framework by Dr. Sheila R. Lingaya, Assistant Director of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA). She introduced a document mapping out the specific indicators and evidence required for the upcoming ranking cycle, while urging the group to maintain open communication to ensure a unified approach. Consequently, Dr. Lingaya shared about a monitoring dashboard designed to keep the entire TAU community informed about the university’s environmental footprint, specifically by tracking real-time data on waste and water consumption.

The group also discussed TAU’s current status as one of the few "Reporter" institutions in Region III. Dr. Lingaya remarked that while the university did not yet meet the eligibility criteria for a full rank, holding "Reporter" status confirms TAU's initial step toward meeting future ranking criteria — an active participation and paves the way for full ranking in the coming years.

In line with this, the group discussed practical green initiatives such as the newly implemented "Carfree Friday" and the "DocTrax" system, which Mr. Duque praised for drastically reducing paper waste through digital document sharing.

To also ensure better collaboration with the administration, Mr. Sonny A. Santos, University Board Secretary V, highlighted the need for the Administrative Council (AdCo) to be actively involved in these technical strategies, a sentiment the members strongly supported. In which, Dr. Mariane P. Villaruel, Director for ELIA, mentioned that she serves as the representative of the Administrative Council, emphasizing a "bottom-up" approach to ensure that the TWG members’ efforts will reach top leadership.

In closing, Dr. Villaruel summarized the key takeaways and provided clarifications on the next steps. The meeting successfully transformed raw data into a unified action plan, ensuring TAU’s journey toward a higher world ranking is organized, sustainable, and supported at every level of university leadership.