Building Beyond Borders: How Dr. Fernando Sanchez Jr. Redefined Academic Diplomacy

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — October 26, 2024

IN A world where academic diplomacy is often sidelined in favor of more conventional statecraft, Dr. Fernando “Dindo” Sanchez Jr. stands as a compelling counterpoint. On October 22, 2024, he received the Japan Foreign Minister’s Commendation at the Japan Ambassador’s Residence in Makati—a fitting tribute to a man who has tirelessly fostered intellectual ties across borders. But Sanchez is more than just an academic; he’s a bridge-builder, an advocate for global cooperation, and a devoted son of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). His life has been a journey of dedication to knowledge and to the ideals of collaboration that uplift institutions and nations alike.

Sanchez’s career has been marked by a relentless drive to push boundaries. As a two-term Chancellor of UPLB from 2014 to 2017 and again from 2018 to 2020, he transformed the university into a hub of cross-cultural intellectual exchange, connecting Filipino students and researchers with counterparts in Japan. It’s in no small part due to his efforts that the Nagoya University Asian Satellite Campus was established at UPLB. This pioneering satellite campus opened doors for doctoral students in engineering, bioagricultural sciences, international development, and environmental studies—fields critical to the challenges of our time. Through Sanchez’s leadership, these transnational programs emerged as lifelines, not only enhancing individual careers but also advancing a shared commitment to sustainable development across Asia.

Sanchez’s vision extends far beyond institutional metrics. To him, these partnerships signify a deeper purpose: the potential of education to transcend national boundaries and reshape futures. His work with Japanese institutions reflects an abiding belief in the transformative power of shared knowledge. For Sanchez, collaboration is not just a strategic initiative; it is a moral imperative. His actions speak of a world where scientific progress and societal good are not siloed but integrated—where institutions like UPLB and Nagoya University serve as catalysts for both regional and global progress.

Beyond his scholarly and administrative achievements, Sanchez embodies the values of Upsilon Sigma Phi, Asia’s oldest fraternity, known for producing some of the Philippines’ most distinguished leaders. For over a century, the fraternity has been dedicated to the ideals of brotherhood, leadership, service, and excellence. Sanchez, an Upsilonian himself, exemplifies these values in every aspect of his work. Like the fraternity’s founders, who were driven to uplift and unify, he believes in the principle that knowledge, when shared, becomes a foundation upon which societies can rise.

In honoring Dr. Fernando Sanchez, we honor a man who has not only achieved for himself but, more importantly, has created a legacy of academic diplomacy and service that will continue to inspire. His story is a reminder of what can be achieved when leadership is guided by a desire to build, to connect, and to serve. As the Japanese Foreign Ministry recognizes his efforts, we are reminded that Sanchez’s work is far from over. In a time that often feels divided, his story challenges us to seek the bridges, to find the connections, and to recognize that the true measure of greatness lies not in individual success but in the lasting bonds we build along the way.