Prepared by the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS)
On December 3, 2025, the Dean of the University of Baguio School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Dr. Charesma Grace K. Lud-ayen, served as one of the esteemed resource speakers for another installment of PSU SOAR: “Scoping Opportunities for Action and Result – A Global SDG Training Series”, successfully hosted by Pangasinan State University (PSU) Binmaley Campus. PSU SOAR is the continuous development program conducted by Pangasinan State University in championing Sustainable Development Goals in their institution.
The webinar focused on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, one of the United Nations’ core goals that promotes inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions. This installment of PSU SOAR gathered students, educators, professionals, and advocates to discuss the importance of strengthening the justice system and the crucial role of academic institutions in promoting justice in the Philippines. In her presentation, Dr. Lud-ayen underscored the pivotal role of educational institutions and discussed how strong institutions are built through integrity, accountability, and active community participation. She also emphasized that there must be an impactful and effective collaboration between schools, government agencies, and the community in promoting public safety and strengthening the justice system.
Dr. Lud-ayen’s presentation centered more on the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings, particularly its Methodology and Evidence Guide used by the University of Baguio and other higher education institutions worldwide in assessing their contribution in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The University of Baguio previously placed among the 1,501+ bracket out of 2,318 institutions worldwide, with particularly excellent performance in SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) during the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and the university continues to be recognized by worldwide standards in its goal to be one of the world’s universities with great impact. As the team lead for the SDG 16 Team for Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking in the University of Baguio, Dr. Lud-ayen explained the relevance of proper documentation, measurable community impact, research productivity, institutional policies, and stakeholder engagement in achieving strong SDG 16 performance indicators. She further stressed that universities must go beyond academic instruction and actively demonstrate sustainable practices and meaningful community extension programs aligned with global standards.
Representing the University of Baguio, this engagement by Dr. Lud-ayen, in collaboration with the Pangasinan State University, exhibited UB’s continuous commitment in advancing SDG 16 and 17 through academic excellence, community engagement, and strong partnerships between institutions. She proudly embodied the continuous efforts of the University of Baguio in promoting programs and initiatives that strengthen peace education, ethical leadership, research, and community development. In line with SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, she emphasized that it is crucial to build strong linkages among educational institutions and government agencies in order to effectively address challenges within the community in relation to peace and order.
The session served as a meaningful platform for promoting awareness of SDG 16, the process of Times Higher Education (THE) as an assessing body for sustainable development, and for inspiring the participants from Pangasinan State University to become active contributors in championing peace and institutional development in their university. Through these partnerships, the University of Baguio and the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety continues to contribute and promote to sustainable development by fostering socially responsible and globally minded professionals committed to public service. Through the knowledge and experiences shared by Dr. Lud-ayen, University of Baguio continues to be a pillar of sustainable development for other institutions in their progressive efforts in championing peace, justice, and strong institutions.
