Japan Foreign Minister’s Commendation Awarded to Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez Jr.

On October 22, 2024, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosted a ceremony to present the Foreign Minister's Commendation to Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez Jr., professor and former Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), for his contributions to promoting agricultural academic exchanges between Japan and the Philippines.

Present during the ceremony were Mr. Alfredo Pascual, former Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and former University of the Philippines (UP) President, UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, other officials and members of the University of the Philippines, friends and family of Dr. Sanchez. 
In his speech, Ambassador Endo expressed his admiration for Dr. Sanchez's remarkable achievements and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through agricultural, academic, and cultural exchanges. He highlighted Dr. Sanchez's impressive design of the Centennial Marker for Dr. Jose Rizal in Hibiya Park, Tokyo, which drew on his experience as a landscape horticulturist.

Furthermore, Ambassador Endo commended Dr. Sanchez pivotal role in establishing the Nagoya University Asian Satellite Campus in UPLB, thereby facilitating the expansion of the university's linkages with other Japanese universities including Tokyo University of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kyoto University, and Nagasaki University.
In response, Dr. Sanchez, a former Japanese Government (MEXT) scholar, expressed his gratitude to Japan for the award.  He also conveyed his anticipation for continued strengthening of cultural and academic ties between the two countries.

The Government of Japan extends its sincere congratulations to Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. for his unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions. The Foreign Minister's Commendation is a testament to Dr. Sanchez's significant contributions to Japan-Philippines bilateral relationship.