De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) ranked first in the Philippines and 301- 400 globally for its contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings released in June 2024.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings evaluate higher education institutions from all around the world on their contributions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The assessment is based on research, stewardship, teaching, and outreach of the institution to the SDGs.
Times Higher Education ranked 1,108 universities from 111 countries for their contributions to achieving SDG 10, which is “Reduced Inequalities.” The top institutions that stood out were recognized for promoting an inclusive educational environment that supports diverse populations to ensure equal opportunities. The indicators for this evaluation included the institutions’ efforts to reduce disparities for first generation students, international students from developing countries, and students and staff with disabilities.
Benilde is known for being a pillar of inclusion in the Philippines for more than 35 years and has been striving to continue this legacy, which includes championing and empowering the Deaf community through the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS).
In addition, the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) also supports this initiative by providing essential services for students with specific needs from admission up to pursuing a career in the workplace. For their efforts, the College was recognized as Employer of the Year at the 29th Apolinario Mabini Awards in 2018—a recognition given to groups and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In an interview with The Benildean, the Vice Chancellor for Academics, Mr. Angelo Lacson, shared, “We are immensely proud of this achievement, but it is also a call to action. We must continue to strive for excellence in reducing inequalities and fostering a more inclusive environment.”
The Benildean community can further uphold reducing inequalities through supporting and participating in initiatives that promote equality, volunteering in community outreach programs, advocating for more inclusive policies, and integrating the SDG 10 to their academic and professional endeavors.
In addition, Mr. Lacson mentioned that scholarships are mostly internally funded. With this, they are looking for generous donors to help provide access to quality education for many.
“Our journey toward inclusivity is ongoing, and with collective effort, we can achieve even greater milestones,” he emphasized.
