Boac, Marinduque, Philippines — Marinduque State University (MarSU) marks its second year as a university with significant milestones in innovation, international recognition, academic expansion, and institutional development, further strengthening its role as the province’s premier higher education institution.

In its latest global recognition, MarSU secured the 270th spot in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), placing the university among the Top 500 innovative universities worldwide. Seven of its entries also secured spots in the Top 100 across various innovation categories, underscoring the university’s growing contribution to transformative and practical education. The university likewise gained wider international visibility after being listed in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings under ‘Reporter Status’ and earning a place in the 2026 THE Sustainability Impact Ratings, where it ranked 1501+ globally.

These recognitions come alongside MarSU’s continued expansion of its academic offerings and quality assurance systems. The university maintains 100 percent compliance across all academic programs through Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) and is set to open new degree programs in Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, Bachelor of Science in Criminology, and Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. It is also advancing its pursuit of PRIME-HRM Level III and ISO 21001:2018 certifications as part of its efforts to strengthen governance and institutional management.

Beyond academics, MarSU has sustained its internationalization agenda through partnerships with universities and institutions in Timor-Leste, Singapore, Israel, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and Belgium, creating more opportunities for research collaboration and student mobility. These efforts have been complemented by continuing infrastructure development funded through congressional initiatives and support from the Commission on Higher Education, allowing the university to expand facilities and improve campus resources.

In the area of governance and public accountability, MarSU was recognized by the Bureau of Internal Revenue–Southern Luzon Cluster as one of its Most Outstanding Taxpayers for Fiscal Year 2025, reflecting the university’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility. At the same time, the institution strengthened its cultural identity with the unveiling of Ang Manunubong in December 2025 as its official university icon, a sculptural symbol rooted in the Marinduqueño tradition of Putong or Tubong that honors the province’s heritage, values, and strong sense of community.

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, who continues to serve as PASUC National Auditor and PHILARM President, MarSU has maintained its upward trajectory in innovation, public service, and academic excellence. This year, Dr. Zulueta was also named among the regional qualifiers for the 2026 Gawad Lingkod Bayani under the ‘Gawad Pag-asa’ category by the Civil Service Commission.

As it enters its third year of universityhood, MarSU continues to build on its mandate of providing accessible and quality higher education while advancing research, innovation, and community development in Marinduque and beyond.