The University of San Agustin (USA) was formally honored as one of the Philippines’ premier internationalized institutions at the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2025 last December 10 at the Philippine International Convention Center.
USA was among 173 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) nationwide officially invited by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agkupis to the prestigious event. The invitation, extended to presidents of institutions recently recognized by major international ranking bodies, cited USA’s inclusion in rankings such as Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE).
The awards ceremony celebrated the exemplary performance and growing global presence of Philippine HEIs. It specifically honored high-impact initiatives in sustainability, ASEAN integration, and internationalization.
Representing the university was Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Regina Aileen May V. Vergara, Ph.D., who accepted the recognition on behalf of University President Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, and the entire Augustinian community.
“This award affirms our strategic commitment to Augustinian Internationalization,” stated Prof. Vergara. “Being counted among the nation’s top institutions recognized on global platforms is a testament to our collective dedication to academic excellence and cross-cultural engagement.”
The recognition underscores USA’s systematic efforts in global academic partnerships, faculty and student mobility, and internationally aligned research and curricula, solidifying its role as a key contributor to the international stature of Philippine higher education.
