๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
Laying the groundwork for a significant leap in global academic standing, the members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) held a meeting at the Office of the President Conference Room on 12 February 2026, to strategize for the UI Greenmetric World University Rankings 2026 and for the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR) 2027.
The session opened with a comprehensive synthesis of previous results presented by Mr. Jerome L. Duque, Information Officer III. He clarified that TAUโs current standing is a direct reflection of the data provided by various units. Mr. Duque also noted that while the university made strides in improving energy, water, and transportation metrics for the UI GreenMetric last year, a lower volume of research output remains a key reason the university's ranking has lagged.ย
โA major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a structured framework by Dr. Sheila R. Lingaya, Assistant Director of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA). She introduced a document mapping out the specific indicators and evidence required for the upcoming ranking cycle, while urging the group to maintain open communication to ensure a unified approach. Consequently, Dr. Lingaya shared about a monitoring dashboard designed to keep the entire TAU community informed about the universityโs environmental footprint, specifically by tracking real-time data on waste and water consumption.
The group also discussed TAUโs current status as one of the few "Reporter" institutions in Region III. Dr. Lingaya remarked that while the university did not yet meet the eligibility criteria for a full rank, holding "Reporter" status confirms TAU's initial step toward meeting future ranking criteria โ an active participation and paves the way for full ranking in the coming years.
In line with this, the group discussed practical green initiatives such as the newly implemented "Carfree Friday" and the "DocTrax" system, which Mr. Duque praised for drastically reducing paper waste through digital document sharing.
To also ensure better collaboration with the administration, Mr. Sonny A. Santos, University Board Secretary V, highlighted the need for the Administrative Council (AdCo) to be actively involved in these technical strategies, a sentiment the members strongly supported. In which, Dr. Mariane P. Villaruel, Director for ELIA, mentioned that she serves as the representative of the Administrative Council, emphasizing a "bottom-up" approach to ensure that the TWG membersโ efforts will reach top leadership.
In closing, Dr. Villaruel summarized the key takeaways and provided clarifications on the next steps. The meeting successfully transformed raw data into a unified action plan, ensuring TAUโs journey toward a higher world ranking is organized, sustainable, and supported at every level of university leadership.
