CHED debunks ‘misleading’ report on SONA-cited HEIs

FILE: CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III. (Photo: Commission on Higher Education(CHED)/Facebook)

MANILA – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Wednesday debunked a “fact-checking” report claiming that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. provided inaccurate figures on Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) included in global university rankings during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In a statement, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III said the report was misleading, maintaining that there were indeed 52 HEIs recognized.

“This is to respond to a recent news report released by the Philippine Star entitled, ‘Fact check: Marcos falsely claims 52 Philippine HEIs included in world university rankings’ on the basis that there are only 10 Philippine universities shown in THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings, QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), and CWUR (Center for World University Rankings),” he said.

The report pertained to how Marcos lauded more Philippine HEIs attaining world-class status in the first year of his term compared to only 15 HEIs in the previous ranking.

De Vera said the commission furnished the data to the president based on the rankings from QS (QS World, Asia, and Stars), THE (THE World, Asia, and Impact Rankings), and the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

“Philippine Star’s claim that there is ‘No clear and substantive evidence can be found pointing to the 52 HEIs that Marcos stated in his second SONA’ is NOT TRUE,” he added.

The CWUR, meanwhile, is not included in the CHED’s recognized ranking metrics.

“Should the CWUR be included in this group, there will be even more than 52 Philippine higher education institutions recognized in international world rankings,” De Vera said.

He then urged the public to exercise caution in receiving information from “fact-checkers.”

“I urge the public to be vigilant in accepting information, especially from those who claim to be ‘fact-checkers.’ CHED assures the public that we will only provide correct information based on verified data,” De Vera said.

He noted that the public may access the rankings through the official websites at www.timeshighereducation.com, www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings and www.wuri.world.

The CHED earlier vowed to fortify the internationalization of local universities and colleges through its assistance to more HEIs in securing agreements with other international universities to further enhance curriculum programs, training and student exchanges.

To date, there are 1,968 international linkages or signed agreements between Philippine HEIs and world-ranking universities, according to CHED.