CABANATUAN CITY – Marking her first year in office, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo delivered the Annual President’s Report, called “NEUST ACEs” on February 21, 2024, at the NEUST Closed Gym, Sumacab Campus.
The President’s Report reflected on the NEUST’s accomplishments, challenges, and enhancements where Dr. Jugo also emphasized the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and institutional growth.
President Jugo was joined by the NEUST Board of Regents, Administrative Council members, partner institutions, local government units, faculty, staff, students, and some family members and friends.
On National and Global Recognition and Rankings
President Jugo reported NEUST’s national and international achievements over the past year, including the following: securing a spot in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 and the World University Rankings for Innovation, ranking 29th in global resilience, 26th in leadership, and 7th in funding; placing in the 2024 Green Metric World University Rankings, ranking 43rd in the Philippines and 1002nd globally in sustainability efforts; and the Reporter Status in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 and ranked 80th among 229 universities in the Philippines in the 2024 EduRank Report.
On local awards, she reported the Gold Award of NEUST in the Anti-Red Tape Authority Report Card Survey 2.0 with a 97.90% score, making it the only state university and college (SUC) to achieve this feat, while also being honored with the 26th Philippine Quality Award (PQA) and recognized by the 37th AACCUP Annual National Conference for having the highest number of Level II accredited programs.
On Academic Excellence and Student Achievements
Dr. Jugo emphasized NEUST’s dedication to providing quality education, as demonstrated by the 2024 licensure exam topnotchers produced by NEUST in various fields.
“Our University also takes immense pride in celebrating the outstanding achievements of licensure examination topnotchers who exemplified academic excellence and embodied the NEUST brand of education,” she said.
She then commended the NEUST topnotchers Ashley Sophia Mae Legaspi Engracia for placing 6th in the Philippine Nurses Licensure Exam; Jovelle De Gracia Paule for ranking 10th in the Licensure Examination for Teachers, and Ar. Onofre B. Guiao for topping the Special Professional Licensure Examination for Architecture.
As a testament to NEUST’s global presence, Dr. Jugo also reported that the University signed 14 international partnerships and facilitated exchange programs for students and faculty.
On Advancements in Research and Innovation
President Jugo also reported that NEUST completed 514 research studies, published 158 papers, including 65 Scopus-indexed publications, secured millions in research funding from DOST-PCIEERD, CHED, and DBM, and filed numerous patents, utility models, and industrial designs over the past year.
“These accomplishments demonstrate NEUST’s active research culture, continuously driving innovation, academic growth, and societal impact. As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting our faculty, students, and researchers in pushing the boundaries of knowledge to create transformative solutions,” she said.
On Enhancing Institutional Services and Student Support
The President also discussed the University’s efforts to maintain a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students.
“Our University expands opportunities to ensure financial constraints don’t hinder deserving students. With thousands of scholars, we remain committed to an inclusive, supportive learning environment,” Dr. Jugo stated.
NEUST provided financial assistance to 2,763 scholars, including 572 under the Tertiary Education Subsidy program, expanded library services with 29,000 student visits, and strengthened support for differently abled learners and Indigenous students.
On Infrastructure and Administrative Excellence
According to President Jugo, good and efficient governance is the backbone of a thriving institution, mentioning that the NEUST improved its facilities by investing in ICT equipment and smart classrooms to enhance accessibility features for students with disabilities.
The President then discussed NEUST’s commitment to transparent and efficient fiscal management, in which the University has successfully allocated a total 1.1 billion pesos for its operations and development initiatives.
With this, the President said that NEUST will continue to invest in its human resources, operational efficiency, and infrastructure.
On Plans and Commitment to Excellence
President Jugo reaffirmed her commitment to NEUST’s growth through the NEUST GLOBAL Framework, which focuses on Global Integration of Educational Programs; Learner-Centric, Inclusive, and Holistic Student Services; Opportunities for Human Capital Empowerment; Building a Vibrant Research and Innovation Ecosystem; Advancing Relevant, Research-Based, and Sustainable Extension Programs; and Leveraging Administrative and Fiscal Support Services and Governance Efficiency.
“With every challenge, we rise stronger. With every setback, we push forward with greater resolve. Together, we will nourish the mind, nurture the heart, and lead the future of our students,” said the President.
The President also urged the NEUST community to “hold on to the spirit that defines us: a spirit that never gives up, never settles for less, and never stops striving for excellence.”
“Let us carry forward our mission as bearers of transformation, as builders of a future,” President Jugo said.
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