Mapúa MCL emerges as a Global Research Hub in CALABARZON

Cabuyao City, Laguna — Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) continues to strengthen its position as a leading academic research hub in the CALABARZON region, driven by robust research output, newly established research centers, and successful acquisition of both local and international research funding.
According to the Research Promotion and Coordination Office (RPCO), Mapúa MCL recorded 180 research papers published and accepted in Scopus-indexed journals and conference proceedings in the past year. The institution also secured three externally funded research projects, including two under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Grants-in-Aid Program and one under the SECRA project of the European Union’s Erasmus+ Program.

New Research Centers Strengthen Innovation Ecosystem

As part of its research expansion, Mapúa MCL formally launched three specialized research centers:
Center for Sustainable Water Solutions (CSWS)
Center for Computational Innovations and Sustainability (CCIS)
Center for Research in Emerging and Sustainable Technologies (CREST)
These centers serve as platforms for interdisciplinary research addressing sustainability, digital innovation, and emerging technologies relevant to regional and global development.

Strong International Research Presence

Mapúa MCL researchers actively presented studies at international academic conferences held in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and Australia, covering fields such as engineering, computing, business, environmental science, sustainability, communication, and education.
The institution also recently published a research paper in ScienceDirect as an output of international collaboration and partnered with Sunway University (Malaysia) for the Inspire Collab: Global Partnership Engagement Conference, reinforcing its global research network.
“Through active participation in global academic networks, our researchers engage in joint publications, shared datasets, and cross-border studies that align Mapúa MCL with international research standards,” said Dr. Hermie V. Articona, Director of the Mapúa MCL RPCO.

Industry and Government Collaboration

Locally, Mapúa MCL maintains strong partnerships with industry leaders such as Condura, STMicroelectronics, Microchip, and Ampleon, alongside government agencies, to conduct applied research in engineering, environmental studies, communication, and technology innovation. These collaborations provide meaningful research exposure for faculty members and students alike.

Research as a Core Academic Pillar

Mapúa MCL continues to foster a research-driven academic environment through incentives, mentorship programs, and structured research training for faculty members, administrators, and students.
“Research enhances critical thinking, innovation, and employability among students, while strengthening teaching effectiveness and professional credibility among faculty members,” Articona added.

Future Research Directions and Global Rankings

To further solidify its standing as an emerging research hub, Mapúa MCL plans to expand flagship research initiatives in:
*Sustainable agriculture
*Eco-informatics
*Water studies
*Emerging sustainable technologies
*Business analytics

These initiatives are aligned with the Harmonized Regional R&D Agenda (HRRDA) of DOST CALABARZON. The institution also aims to strengthen its presence in global university rankings such as QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and World University Ranking for Innovation (WURI).
In 2025, Mapúa MCL debuted in the WURI Global Top 400 Innovative Universities, ranking 286th overall, and placed 24th in Ethics and Integrity, 36th in Infrastructure and Technologies, and 26th in Cost-Benefit Management. It also ranked in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 and earned a three-star rating in the QS Stars Rating 2024.
Established in 2014, the Mapúa MCL RPCO continues to advance the institution’s mission of embedding research as a core pillar of academic excellence, positioning Mapúa MCL as a rising research hub in CALABARZON and the global academic community.