Acknowledging the institution’s successful debut in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI (CHED RO XI) honored Davao de Oro State College, through the Quality Assurance Unit and Internationalization Unit, for its three top-50 WURI placements during the awarding ceremony on October 22, 2026, at the Acacia Hotel Davao.

The award was given during the Voice of ASEAN culmination program, where DdOSC was acknowledged as one of the partner higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region.

DdOSC secured Rank 19 in Entrepreneurial Culture and Ecosystem, Rank 33 in Social Impact Through Knowledge Transfer, and Rank 47 in Student Support and Engagement, reflecting its initiatives in innovation, community engagement, and student-centered development.

Meanwhile, DdOSC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay congratulated all offices, units, faculty members, staff, students, and stakeholders who contributed to the achievements and encouraged the entire DdOSC community to build on its achievements and further strengthen its commitment to responsive, inclusive, and globally engaged HEI.

The gathering brought together stakeholders from public HEIs across Davao Region to explore strategies to advance sustainable internationalization, strengthen regional collaboration, and promote global citizenship education across ASEAN and beyond.

Organized by CHED RO XI in partnership with the International Relations Officers Network XI, Voice of ASEAN is a year-long initiative that provides opportunities for HEIs to engage in meaningful dialogue, build international partnerships, and advance shared regional priorities.

DdOSC Internationalization Unit Head Karesha Faith C. Cañetan represented the institution, joining fellow higher education stakeholders in discussions on the future of internationalization in the region.

INFO SOURCE: IZN Unit Head Karesha Faith C. Cañetan