Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union (SLC-SFLU) once again elevated its presence on the international academic stage after earning global recognition in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), reaffirming the institution’s commitment to innovation, transformative education, and mission-driven service.
The official announcement was released on May 7, 2026 during the virtual conference of the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU), where higher education institutions from around the world gathered to recognize institutions that create meaningful and innovative impact beyond traditional academic performance.
SLC earned the following distinctions in the 2026 WURI Rankings:
• Rank 64 – University Brand and Reputation (B8)
• Rank 22 – Social Impact through Knowledge Transfer (C5)
Unlike traditional university rankings that focus heavily on research output and academic prestige, WURI highlights innovative programs that create positive impact in communities, culture, industry, and society.
Celebrating Filipino Identity Through “Rigodon: Uniendo Tradiciones”
Among the institution’s recognized initiatives is “Rigodon: Uniendo Tradiciones,” which earned Rank 64 in the University Brand and Reputation Category (B8).
The program is an exchange initiative between the SLC Samtoy Dance Troupe and Sining Tanglawan of Bulacan, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines through the Kaisa sa Sining (KSS) Regional Arts Centers Network. Centered on cultural preservation and intercultural understanding, the initiative promotes traditional Filipino dance through workshops, performances, and artistic collaborations.
The project was personally organized, planned, and coordinated by Mr. Rufo Nilo L. Maltu Jr., who worked closely with the various sectors and partner institutions involved in the implementation of the initiative. Through these collaborative efforts, the program has become a meaningful platform for preserving Filipino heritage while nurturing culturally aware and socially responsible students.
The initiative was also supported by the SLC Center for Culture, the Arts and Heritage (CCAH), under the leadership of Mr. Jeson A. Mercado, Head of the Center for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, who facilitated the preparation and consolidation of the documentary requirements and materials necessary for the program’s successful inclusion in the 2026 WURI Rankings.
Through cultural workshops, exhibitions, exchange activities, and collaborative performances, the program continues to strengthen Saint Louis College’s role as an active cultural steward in Region 1 and beyond.
Project L.A.I.N.G. Advances Community Transformation Through Education
Meanwhile, Project L.A.I.N.G. earned Rank 22 in the Social Impact through Knowledge Transfer Category (C5), placing Saint Louis College among globally recognized institutions that champion inclusive and transformative education.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Teacher Education Department in partnership with Rimos National High School. Designed as a holistic service-learning and extension program, Project L.A.I.N.G. addresses challenges in literacy, numeracy, wellness, and spiritual formation among academically challenged learners.
The project mobilizes pre-service teachers and faculty mentors from various disciplines to conduct remedial instruction, literacy enhancement sessions, wellness activities, recollections, and values formation programs for learners in the partner community.
Beyond classroom interventions, the initiative also established Reading Corners and Mini Libraries to encourage long-term literacy development and sustainable learning opportunities.
For Dr. Rhonalie B. Apilado-Dumo, Program Head of Teacher Education, the initiative reflects the deeper purpose of education and community engagement. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education, the program demonstrates how higher education institutions can become active catalysts of social transformation through responsive and compassionate educational initiatives.
Strengthening SLC’s Global Presence
The 2026 WURI recognition marks another milestone in Saint Louis College’s growing internationalization efforts and innovation-driven educational mission.
The recognition was made possible through the collective efforts of the WURI Application Technical Working Group, faculty members, institutional offices, students, partner communities, and external collaborators whose dedication contributed to the successful submission of the entries.
Guiding the institution throughout the process was the steadfast leadership of Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, PhD, College President, whose vision for globally engaged and mission-centered education continues to inspire the Louisian community.
As Saint Louis College continues to pursue excellence rooted in innovation, faith, and service, these recognitions stand as proof that Louisian education creates impact not only within classrooms, but also in communities and on the global stage.
Words by the Institutional Development and Quality Assurance Office
