As we confront a barrage of negative news, let us take a moment to celebrate a beacon of positivity and progress.

Quacquarelli Symonds, after evaluating universities based on their academic reputation and employment outcomes, unveiled on 8 November the highly anticipated 2024 QS Asia University Rankings that recognized 16 universities from the Philippines among 856 institutions from 25 countries and territories.

The list included 10 Higher Education Institutions and six State Colleges and Universities. Notably, the renowned "Big Four" universities in the Philippines, namely, University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas, achieved impressive rankings of 78th, 137th, 154th, and 179th, respectively.

Several universities in the Philippines debuted, including the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the University of San Carlos, ranked 551st to 600th. Far Eastern University ranked 701st to 750th, while Mindanao State University secured a place at rank 801.

Other Philippine universities that were featured again in the rankings include Adamson University (ranked 551st to 600th), Mapua University and Silliman University (ranked 601st to 650th), Ateneo de Davao University (ranked 651st to 700th), Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (ranked 701st to 750th), Saint Louis University (ranked 751st to 800th), Xavier University and Lyceum of the Philippines University (both ranked 801+).

We witness the power of knowledge and the transformative impact of higher education. Across the Asian continent, Philippine visionary institutions have risen above challenges, embracing innovation, excellence, and a tireless pursuit of academic brilliance.

Beyond the prevalence of student activism and communist indoctrination of our youth are dedicated educators who deserve to be recognized for their countless hours of hard work, unyielding passion for discovery, and the indomitable spirit that courses through their veins in these esteemed educational institutions.

They are beacons of enlightenment, equipping young minds with the tools to shape a brighter tomorrow and confront the complex challenges that lie ahead through non-violent means.