MEIDAI NETWORK

News Magazine of the Nagoya University Alumni Association – Philippine Branch

Issue No. 2 - January 2018

Nagoya University Awardees for Contribution to International Exchange

Dr. Joseph S. Masangkay (2015) Dr. Cristino M. Collado (2017)

MS 1977 and PhD1983 MS 1978 and PhD1982
Agricultural Science Animal Nutrition

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 MEIDAI NETWORK
CONTENTS：目次
2017 NAGOYA UNIVERSITY AWARDEE FOR CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE
by Cristino M. Collado ……….……………….………………………..……………………………..…..........…. 2

2015 NAGOYA UNIVERSITY AWARDEE FOR CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

by Joseph S. Masangkay ………………………………………..………………..…………..……….........….… 5

FLASHBACK: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NUAL-PHILIPPINES BRANCH by Yoshito Itoh ..……... 7

GENERAL ASSEMBLY & SHINENKAI 2017……………………………………………..…………………….…… 9

MASTERSHIP IS A RELATIONSHIP by John Jowhell H. Villegas…………..……………………...……. 10

NEW MEIDAI ALUMNI (2017) FROM DPWH by John Jowhell H. Villegas ..…..………………..…. 13

NUASC-Philippines admits two new Filipino PhD students for 2017 by Editha Cedicol ……. 14

NUAL-PH President Gaspillo highlights role of NU alumni in 2017 Entrance Ceremony ….. 16

FORUM ON GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN SECURITY ………………………………..……… 17

PHOTOJOURNAL by Andy Oreta …………………………………………………………………….….…...……. 19

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE OUR 80’S & 90’S SEMPAI’S? …………………………………………..….. 23

MEET YOUR NUAL-PH OFFICERS (2017-2019) …………………………………….…….……….……..…… 26

ABOUT THE COVER

Group Photo: January 29, 2017-NUAL-PH General Assembly, Elections & Shinenkai at UP NIMBB.
Three years from the establishment of Nagoya University Alumni- Philippines (NUAL-PH) Branch in
2014, two alumni were conferred the Nagoya University Award for Contribution to International
Exchange. The awardee for 2017 is Dr. Cristino M. Collado, former Senior Undersecretary of the
Philippine Department of Agriculture, and currently President of Agri-Tech Consultancy
International. For 2015, the awardee was Dr. Joseph S. Masangkay, Prof Emeritus of Veterinary
Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Both awardees finished their doctorates at the
Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences. (e.cedicol)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Dr. Editha Cedicol and John Jowhell H. Villegas for contributing articles.
Thank you to the alumni who sent their information in the “Where in the world?” section.
- Andy Oreta (Editor)

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 COVER STORY: Snapshots from a proud Meidai alumnus
2017 NAGOYA UNIVERSITY AWARDEE FOR CONTRIBUTION TO
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE – CRISTINO M. COLLADO, PhD‘82

October 19, 2017. Aware perhaps that a big majority of their

passengers were Japanese to whom punctuality is a way of life, the
pilots of PR 438 flew our plane out of NAIA Terminal 3 on time.
Consequently, we arrived at Nagoya Centrair International Airport
on schedule. Once my feet touched the carpeted corridors of the
airport building, I soon felt that unique sensation that only in Japan
could I experience. There was that dignity of silence and order.
And efficiency, as evidenced by the negligible waiting time at the
immigration and the customs areas.

The International Planning Division (IPD) of Meidai lived up to their standard of efficiency.
Right there at the exit was this driver of the Meitetsu Taxi holding up a placard bearing my name. No
need for me to give instructions. He knew exactly where to take me. In about 50 minutes, I was
checking in at the Nagoya Tokyu Hotel.

October 20, 2017. The

autumnal cool of the wind in the vicinity
of my hotel was inviting. So I spent a
good portion of the morning roaming
around Sakae. The feeling was familiar
but the scenery was not. Several
landmarks had given way to
development and business needs. Gone
were the familiar sights that used to be
the background of my aimless
wanderings during my student days.
Hardly did I see anyone on bicycles.
Everyone seemed to be moving around
inside those ubiquitous minicabs in
various scintillating colors and models.

At half past 4:00 in the afternoon, I was met at the hotel’s lobby by an IPD lady staffer who
gave me the usual drill: what activities were lined up, who were the people I would be meeting, what
time I should be at the venue, and so on. Not that I was not given advanced information about those
items. The IPD just wanted to make sure that nothing was left to chance.

The evening reception/dinner for the three awardees – myself, a Nepalese and an Uzbekistani –
was hosted by the Nagoya University Alumni Association (NUAL Main). Food was sumptuous; the
theme of the menu was still Japanese with continental sprinkling. In attendance were NUAL President
Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, Meidai President Prof. Seiichi Matsuo, Professor Emeritus Tetsuo Saito (who at
93 was arguably the Dai-Sempai of everyone present) and the officers and staff of NUAL and the
International Planning Division.

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 October 21, 2017. This was the final day of the Alumni Homecoming celebration. It was
thus not surprising that a lot of tourist buses were in sight. The big tarpaulins draped on the side of
the buses proudly proclaimed the origin of the big delegations in attendance.

The atmosphere was festive. The entrance to the Toyoda Hall was lined up with tables laden
with a variety of items intended for alumni and guests alike. Memorabilia items bearing the now-
familiar Meidai logo were selling like hot cakes. There were even Meidai coffee, Meidai tea, and other
nicely packaged take-home goodies.

Everything was beautifully and punctually orchestrated. Lunch for NUAL officers and directors
as well as selected top Meidai officials was served in the Toyoda Kodo main conference room. We
awardees were invited. I enjoyed the bento-style food, but I enjoyed even more listening to the
business meeting that ensued. I was impressed by the close collaboration between the university
officials and the alumni leaders. The latter interacted with the former as if everyone was present in
one big room when the road map for Meidai’s future thrusts was being drawn. I saw for myself the
depth of the symbiotic relationship between Nagoya University and its graduates.

At half past 12 o’clock, we were ushered to the Ceremonial Hall. Orderly and quietly, the
numbered seats began to be occupied. Five minutes before the hour, Dr. Toyoda, President Matsuo
and Professor Wada (the new NUAL Executive Coordinator) entered the stage and took their positions.
At exactly one o’clock, the guest Emcee (a good-looking Meidai alumnus now working for NHK)
welcomed everyone and made a short spiel about the afternoon’s centerpiece program.

Speeches followed. President Matsuo glowingly described the status and notable achievements
of the university. Dr. Toyoda amplified the expanding role and the continuing commitment of NUAL as
a partner of Meidai in areas where the alumni can best contribute.

Then the awarding proper. President Matsuo read the Award citation and Dr. Toyoda handed
out the token which was a custom-made rectangular glass inside of which was a 3-dimensional
depiction of Toyoda Hall.

As is customary in most awarding ceremonies, the awardees usually have to say a few words. I
delivered mine in Japanese.

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 Dr. Cristino Collado’s Speech in Japanese:
Watashi wa sen-kyu-hyaku nanaju-hachi nen
ni Nagoya Daigaku ni nyugaku shimashita.
Sen-kyu-hyku hachiju-ni nen no sotsugyo
shosho o uketotta hi wa, watashi no jinsei de
ichiban shiawase o kanjita hi desu.
Sanju-go nen tatta kyo, kono Toyoda Kodo ni
modotte korareta koto o Toyoda Kaicho to
Matsuo Shocho ni fukaku kansha itashimasu.
Zaigakuchu osewa ni natta Saito Tetsuo
Kyoju, Tasaki Iwao Kyoju niwa, kagaku
dake dewa naku, bunka ya kachikan, tsumari
wa yori yoi ningen ni naru sube o oshiete
itadaki kansha shite orimasu.
Ni-sen-ju-yon niwa zengaku dosokai Firipin
shibu o tachiage, Firipin ni Meidai spirit o
mochi tsuzukeru koto o Toyoda Kaicho ni
yakusoku shimashita.
Kyo, itadaita shojo wa, Nagoya Daigaku e no
go-on to sensei gata e no kansha o itsudemo
omaidaseru yo ni, wagaya no ichiban daiji
na basho ni kazaru koto ni shimasu.
Meidai sotsugyo-sei to shite, meiyo to igen o
motte ikiteiku koto o chikai shimasu.
Toyoda Kaicho, Matsuo Shocho, Zengaku
dosokai no minasama, Nagoya Daigaku no
minasama, honjitsu wa makoto ni arigato
gozaimashita.
English Translation:
I entered Nagoya University in 1978.
The day in 1982 that I received my doctorate
degree was the happiest time of my life.
Today, 35 years later, I am back in this Toyoda
Hall. I deeply thank NUAL President Dr.
Toyoda and Meidai President Prof. Matsuo for
my homecoming.
I thank my former professors, especially Saito
Tetsuo Sensei and Tasaki Iwao Sensei. I learned
from them science, culture and values. In short,
they taught me how to be a better human being.
In 2014, the NUAL- Philippine branch was
organized. Now we have become a big solid
group. It is our way of demonstrating that we are
upholding the ideals of Nagoya University.
During our inauguration, in front of Dr. Toyoda,
I promised that I will do my best to keep the
Meidai spirit alive in the Philippines.
I will display the award that I received today in
the most prominent place in my home. It will
remind me that I owe so much to Nagoya
University. It will remind me to be always
grateful to all my former mentors.
I now carry the Meidai identity. For that reason,
I promise to always conduct my life with honor
and dignity.
Once more, thank you NUAL President Toyoda
and Meidai President Matsuo. Once more, thank
you, Nagoya University.

After the ceremony and before leaving, I stood quietly on that road that bisects the campus. I
looked around. I feasted my eyes on the silhouette of the Library Building and once more, on the
Toyoda Hall. Memories came rushing back, as if to tell me that I was still lucky to witness the
transformation of the one university that shaped my professional life. The Meidai then and the Meidai
now illustrated to me the strides that my Alma Mater had taken. Progress, as they say, marches
forward and alongside it, the men and women that helped convert dreams into reality. I visualized my
co-founders of NUAL Philippines and I imagined that in unison, each one of us declared: “I am a
graduate of Nagoya University, and I am mighty proud of it”.
CRISTINO M. COLLADO, PhD
2017 Nagoya University Awardee for Contribution to International Exchange

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 COVER STORY: Reflections of our “Dai Sempai”
2015 NAGOYA UNIVERSITY AWARDEE FOR CONTRIBUTION TO
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE – DR. JOSEPH S. MASANGKAY, PhD’83

October 14, 2015. I was with Dr. Cristino Collado, NUAL-Philippine Branch
President when we arrived in Japan at the relatively new Central Airport in Nagoya.
This airport is located in the bay as an artificial island connected to the mainland by
a bridge and can easily be accessed by private car, airport bus, local train and hi-
speed boat. Dr. Akira Yamauchi and his wife Bebe met us at the arrival lobby. They
treated us at a Japanese restaurant in the shokudo area of the airport terminal. The
couple accompanied us to Tokyu Inn Hotel in Sakae where we stayed during our
entire stay in Nagoya. Taxi tickets were given to us for our commute to the
university and back to the hotel.

October 15, 2015. The schedule arranged for us was very typical Japanese style which was very tight,
busy but very efficient. The alumni association arranged a lecture program where the three of us – Dr.
Saito, Dr. Collado and Dr. Masangkay took turns in giving a lecture. The audience was composed of
faculty members of Nogakubu, research staff, administrative staff and graduate students both
Japanese and foreigners. It
was a very fruitful event with
lots of questions, queries and
interesting discussions. Dr.
Saito handed a set of
graduation toga with Meidai
logo similar also to the toga
given to Dr. Collado. Souvenir
items from Nagoya University
were also given to us. A
sumptuous lunch was given to
us together with the
administrative staff of Meidai
and also Prof Joyce Cartagena
and Prof Okamura who heads
the Gender office of Nagoya
University. We were also given
the chance to visit our former
laboratory research room and talked with the staff. It had been a long time ago and only the oldies
goodies staff remained. Many of the staff were young students. The group again treated us to a nice
dinner in a nearby restaurant in Higashiyama. We enjoyed the party and we drank unlimited because
we knew that we can reach our hotel safely by taxi.

October 16, 2015. The General Alumni Homecoming affair was divided into two programs. The first
one was a meeting party with all the big wigs and VIPs of Nagoya University. Aside from Dr.
Masangkay other two scholars were also given the Nagoya University Award for Contribution to
International Exchange- an MD doctor from Cambodia and a lady scientist professor from China The
three of us including Dr. Collado were given a short time for a speech.

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October 17, 2015. The second schedule was done in the following day in a newly renovated Toyoda
Hall. The three recipients of the Nagoya University Award for Contribution to International Exchange
(Cambodia, China and Philippines) were again given a short time for a speech before the big audience
of Nagoya University alumni members. The protocol program was so strict and boxed with precise
movement that picture taking was not allowed because an official photographer was assigned. After
the awarding
ceremony a concert
rendered by the
Nagoya City
Philharmonic
Orchestra
entertained us.

At night the Filipino

students gathered
and we had a nice
dinner party at an
Italian restaurant.
This farewell dinner
was sponsored by
the Dean of Nogaku
Dr Kawakita.

After so many years

it is really a nice
feeling to visit
again our alma mater Nagoya University. There were lots of changes both in physical infrastructure like
the subway station right in front of Meidai and new buildings donated in honor of the Nobel prize
laureates from Nagoya Univesity and also advances in scientific technologies. In spite of these changes,
the Japanese mentality and attitude remain the same, they are always warm and caring for the next
generation of students.

October 18, 2015. As I returned to the Philippines, I realized the implication of this award. I actually
did the duties, responsibilities and expectations as a graduate student and a faculty member upon
returning to my home base. I was the “dai sempai” of all Filipino students who studied in
Nagoya University since I was the first Filipino student in Nagoya University way back in 1974. The
“International Contribution” award in 2015 was given to only 3 persons from China, Cambodia and
Philippines (out of about 30 nominees). I consider this a great honor because this is a very undeniable
proof that what I learned, the degree I received from my alma mater and my scientific and academic
accomplishments were later on recognized by Nagoya University.

JOSEPH S. MASANGKAY, DVM, PhD

Professor Emeritus, UP Los Banos
2015 Nagoya University Awardee for Contribution to International Exchange

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Flashback from NUAL Website
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NUAL-PHILIPPINES BRANCH
Yoshito Itoh (Nagoya University Alumni Association Executive Coordinator)

On Saturday December 20, 2014, a little way from the center of the
Philippine capital of Manila, in the Santan Room of the EDSA Shangri-la
Hotel, the inaugural ceremony of Nagoya University Alumni Association
(NUAL)’s 14th overseas branch, the Philippines Branch, took place. It has
recently been discovered that there were 110 past students of Nagoya
University (NU ） in the Philippines, and 22 Filipino students currently
studying there.
Nine guests represented the Nagoya University, including President Hamaguchi, Emeritus Professor Tetsuo Saito
(Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, former Dean of School of Agricultural Sciences), Emeritus
Professor Katsuki Ito (Graduate School of Medicine, University Executive Adviser), and Professor Akira
Yamauchi (Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences). Meanwhile, President Shoichiro Toyoda and his wife,
Tomio Nakano (Chief of Liaison Committee ), and myself, Chief Secretary Itoh attended from NUAL. Local
guests included not only past Filipino exchange students, but also Japanese NUAL members who were residing in
the Philippines, and three guests from the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. In total, 72 guests attended the
celebration, gathered around seven tables.
Dr. Cynthia P. Saloma (BS Molecular Biology graduate in 1993) and Isamu Suzuki (1985 Department of
Economics graduate and head of Taisei Philippine Construction Inc.) both kindly agreed to act emcees. The
inaugural ceremony lasted an hour and a half and was carried out in a much more formal style than that of
previous overseas branches. First, all guests stood and sang the Philippine National Anthem, followed by Dr. Pag-
asa Gaspillo (PhD ChE graduate of 1995 and Vice President of De La Salle University – Laguna Campus) doing
the honors of officially opening the branch. She welcomed the representatives of Nagoya University and
explained the significance of the new branch. She also thanked the JDS (Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource
Development Scholarship) and expressed her hope for the continued promotion of friendship between the
Philippines and Japan.
The Philippine Branch Head, Dr. Cristino Collado (PhD Agri. Sci. graduate of 1982) accepted the branch
recognition certificate and commemorative plate with an image of Mt. Fuji (and inscription from the Association
on the back) from President of NUAL Toyoda on behalf of the branch. The Philippine Branch flag, which NUAL
had designed and brought from Japan) was then presented by President of NU Hamaguchi.
President of NUAL Toyoda gave the inaugural address, speaking
about how NUAL was founded to be the crucial organization
linking Nagoya University to the wider society, and his wish that
the Philippine Branch, as the 14th overseas branch of NUAL,
would contribute to the further internationalization of Nagoya
University. President of NU Hamaguchi’s address was next. After
touching on the Nobel Prize win of Professors Akasaki and Amano,
he asked for the cooperation of the branch in strengthening ties
between the University and the Asian region, something that is
already being planned through the establishment of the Asia
Satellite Campus Institute. He also mentioned that this visit to the
Philippines had made him regret that he had not visited the country
sooner.
Next, the eight branch officers took to the stage, and each of their roles was introduced before they raised their
right hands and took an oath to serve the branch. Then, the new branch officers presented Mrs. Toyoda with a
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bouquet, and President of NUAL Toyoda and President of NU Hamaguchi with commemorative gifts. The newly
created Meidai Newsletter of the Philippines Branch (MEIDAI NETWORK), was introduced using a slideshow.
The front cover features a photograph of Presidents Toyoda and Hamaguchi.
Following this, Branch President Collado gave an extremely
kind address. He first expressed his gratitude to the
representatives of Nagoya University and NUAL who had
contributed to the founding of the Branch, thanking each of
them by name. He was particularly grateful to former Dean
Saito of the School of Agricultural Sciences, who had also
been his teacher. Dr. Collado expressed his wish that the new
branch contribute to the internationalization of Nagoya
University and deepen the University’s connections. Dr.
Collado is also former Undersecretary at the Department of
Agriculture in the Philippines, and his speech was very
moving.
Finally, the first ever Filipino student to study at Nagoya University, Dr. Joseph Masangkay (PhD graduate of
1983 in Agriculture and Emeritus Professor at the University of the Philippines) announced the closure of the
ceremony.
Immediately following the ceremony, a table-service luncheon was held at the same venue. First, Branch Head
Collado gave the red wine toast. At the end of the luncheon, a group photo was taken of all of the guests. After the
proceedings had finished, several groups were still taking photographs with the new branch flag. The Filipino past
students of Nagoya University were very happy to see the new branch being founded, and told us they felt the
ceremony had a very homely and warm feel, and was a satisfying experience for all involved.

The establishment of the Philippines Branch was coordinated primarily through NUAL Liaison Committee Chief
Nakano. Contact was first made with Dr. Oreta (to become Branch Secretary), who is a graduate of my own
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and who kindly gathered information on Filipino past
students of Nagoya University. Most graduates within academia had been found, but Professor Saito also kindly
contacted Dr. Collado, who had been his student 30 years earlier, and asked him to get in touch with Dr. Oreta.
The two of them determined the nominees for the branch officers and made preparations for the inaugural
ceremony. I would like to take this final opportunity to thank all those who were involved in the establishment of
the NUAL Philippines Branch.
(http://www.nual.nagoya-u.ac.jp/english/activity/event/meeting/141220/index.html)

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 GENERAL ASSEMBLY & SHINENKAI 2017
29 January 2017, NIMBB, UP Diliman, QC

Registration

NUAL-PH January 29, 2017 General Assembly & Shinenkai Japanese NU Alumni

Turn-over of the NUAL-PH banner to the

incoming president. Oath Taking of NUAL-PH Officers 2016-2018

The guys had a lot of fun! The glamorous ladies of NUAL-PH

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 MASTERSHIP is a RELATIONSHIP – Excellence is “Boring”
John Jowhell H. Villegas
In an article in Japan Times published on 8 October 2016, Nagoya was dubbed as the most
boring city in Japan in terms of the appealing travel destinations. Part of the article was telling
about the usual answers of the residents being asked about the recommended tourist destinations
within the city, and their common response was, “Nothing…. Hmmmm, Nagoya Castle and local
cuisine..”. When I was reading the article, I felt that the author of the article is unfair to give a
generalizing title that degraded the status of Nagoya City. Maybe he was right in telling that it is
boring where you can find the SCMaglev and Railway Park of Japan Railways - Central,
Tokugawa Garden, Nagoya Castle, Legoland, Toyota museum, the headquarters of big Japanese
companies like Toyota and many more. Maybe it is boring to be geographically located at the
center of Japan where you can freely and easily transport to East side and West side of the main
island. The article maybe was right in telling that it is boring to be a city where Nagoya University
(MeiDai) is standing tall since 1871 where 6 out of 13 Japanese Nobel-Prize winners of the 21st century came from. It might
also be boring that MeiDai attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year every time it hosts the Nagoya University Festival
where about 100 events are being organized as a result of good relationship and collaboration among the students and
societies who always aim for an excellent celebration of the annual festival. Maybe the author was right that the home of
excellence is definitely boring.
The dull city, as they may find it, is the city that welcomed me two years ago, and gave me realizations that before
my feet set forth in Nagoya City a “boring” seed was planted in me which had been rooted, grew and unexpectedly connected
me to different branches of relationships that bear fruits of excitement and eagerness to widen the horizon of my limited world
and fueled up my hunger of excellence in everything. These relationships become the crayons that colored my life as a full
time Filipino student in a boring dull city into a vibrant and enthusiastic city.

Relationship between the Philippines and Japan brought me in to Nagoya University

The relationship between the government of
Philippines and Japan had been producing collaborative
programs that open opportunities for Filipinos to study in top
universities in Japan. One of these programs is the Japan
Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship
(JDS) which is under the programs of the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA). JDS program is aimed to provide
opportunities for 20 young government officials each year to
take master’s degree program that are related to a specific
government agency’s mandate and current needs.
Fortunately, I am in the Department of Public Works and
JDS Scholars Batch 13
Highways (DPWH) as an engineer who’s working for traffic
engineering work. As part of the application process,
aspirants are required to submit a research plan. I proposed a research that is related to improving the road safety and traffic
management of national roads in the Philippines. Luckily, I was chosen as one of the 20 beneficiaries of the grant and brought
me in to Nagoya University to take Master of Engineering (Traffic Engineering).
Maybe it is boring to be one of the beneficiaries of the fruit of the relationship between Japan and Philippines and be
equipped to be a Filipino who could be somebody who could help in sustaining and improving the quality of life of Filipinos.

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Relationship with my Professor enriched my knowledge in my chosen field and opened doors of
opportunities
When I entered Nagoya University back in September 2015, mixed emotions and thoughts clouded in my mind. I was
excited yet afraid that a 25-year-old Filipino man went out of the Philippines for the first time to study in a new foreign
environment. At first, I felt worried that my two years in Nagoya under my Professor who’s known to be very strict will be very
stressful. At the moment of our first meeting, I remembered that for Japanese Professors the axiom “first impression lasts”
is really true. However, it did not add up to my anxiety, instead I just tried to be myself. During the conversation, he mentioned
that there are several Filipinos that he knows of, one of them successfully and excellently completed Doctor of Engineering
under his supervision (Dr. Jerome Catbagan). For every hour and minutes of meeting with him to discuss about my study, I
finally confirmed that he is very strict! Yes, he is undeniably strict! He is strict in a sense that he wants and encourage every
student to work meeting a high level of standard. He is strict that he wants every deadline to be on time or better yet be ahead
of time. In simple words, he is strict for excellence. Through him, I acquired not only technical knowledge in our field but also, I
learned how to work logically, orderly and smartly.
Under his supervision and guidance, I found and got in to new doors of opportunities. I was able to be an associate
member of the International Association of Traffic Safety and Sciences (IATSS) that led me to encounter well-known experts
in the field of Traffic Engineering in Japan. Moreover, I was able to have an opportunity to submit a full technical paper and
attend an international conference. These opportunities were not part of my goals before I left Philippines to become a full-
time student but through a compassionate professor, I was able to experience these things. In addition, my Professor and I
had the chance to conduct surveys in Manila together with the members of IATSS. He experienced first-hand the traffic
congestion problem. In relation to this, a bridge that could decongest these problems were established between Nagoya
University and University of the Philippines – National Center for Transportation Studies and the Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH) as well. A future collaboration thru this bridge might lead to future projects and studies that would help
to improve the transportation system in Manila.
Maybe the author of the Japan Times article is right. It is boring to be in Nagoya City and be under the supervision of
a strict yet brilliant professor who is willing and passionate to help his students grow, expand their field and be equipped on
aiming for excellence in every task. Maybe it is boring to acquire a high standard of excellence.

Relationship with fellow Filipino in Nagoya made me belong to a family

“Filipinos are around the globe, wherever you go, you’ll
encounter a Filipino.” It is a common thinking for us Filipinos to set in
our minds that Filipinos are everywhere. This “Filipinos are
everywhere” can be testified in Nagoya. Before I go to Japan, an
alumna of Nagoya University told me that there are many Filipinos
who study and work in Nagoya. With that knowledge, I felt excited that
I could expand my network with different Filipinos with different field of
specialty in the industry, government service or in academe. Aside
from knowing them professionally, I am expecting that I could make
new friends and I could probably meet the woman who’ll take my last
Filipino students attending Nagoya name (just kidding).
University Graduation Party

I first met them in a welcome party they organized for the new Filipinos who are new in Nagoya. After that party, I met
new friends and beyond that, Filipinos in Nagoya let me feel that I belong to a family. A family who’s willing to extend their
hands whenever you’re in need (especially in relation to Japanese language translation needs), an ear that’s willing to listen
from your stories even at the middle of the night, a foot that could tour you around to show and share the beauty of Japan, an
honest mouth who will remind you that your actions can be disrespectful in the culture of other nationalities and not all our

11
customs can be practiced here, and many more. With that realization, I felt thankful that the Almighty Author of my life brought
me in Nagoya City and let me encounter Filipinos.
It is also an important thing to bear in mind that like a family, there will be misunderstandings among the Filipinos.
Filipinos in Nagoya came from across the Philippines, which means we have different views in politics, religion and philosophy
in life, but these differences must not be a reason at any rate to divide the family. Compromising our differences, we can be
united in letting the vibrant colors of excellence,
enthusiasm and strong personality of a Filipino could
shine brightly in Nagoya.
They say Nagoya City is boring, but with the
presence of Filipinos who treat you as a family, it feels
like I am a preschooler kid given with a 64-color crayon
box who’s enthusiastically use all the crayons to give
colors to a sketch showing the heart of a Filipino who’s
miles apart from their biological family. With all these
wonderful crayons, life in Nagoya City with the Filipino
community could be unexpectedly awesome and
colorful. Filipinos at Hanami Party / Sakura viewing

Relationship with my home country protected my patriotism against temptations

The agreement between the government of Japan and the Philippines placed me on the rare opportunity of taking a
master’s degree in one of the world’s renowned universities. In addition, it also placed me to a field of temptations impressing
that there are bigger opportunities await outside government service. But, this is contrary to the objective of the JDS program.
Primarily, I have the scholarship because of the intention of strengthening human resource in the government agencies of the
Philippines. After finishing the degree, I am expected to serve and contribute on improving the government service for the
Filipino people.
It is undeniable that the doors of opportunities outside government service are always out there waiting to be
knocked before it opens. Fortunately, the passion and patriotism being implanted in every membrane of my body built a giant
gate of greater opportunities where I can maximize my skills to utilize in helping building our country. This patriotism gave me
visions of bright hope and future that my grandchildren will experience a better Philippines where they can live safer, more
peaceful and with higher quality of life.
Nagoya University located in the most boring city in Japan gave me a wonderful journey that connected me to new
relationships and opportunities. The boring city taught me how to persevere, hope and continue on being passionate on
finishing my mission and race excellently. Nagoya University is a perfect training ground that helped me realize my strengths
and weaknesses, and how I can be strong when I am weak. It taught me that the impression of being boring is dependent on
the view of the beholder. Maybe, the author of the Japan Times article was right, that the city that taught me ways to aim for
excellence is boring. If that’s the definition of boring, then I’ll prefer to be one. (John Jowhell H. Villegas)

12
 New Meidai Alumni (2017) from DPWH
The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) is part
of the bilateral grants awarded to the Philippine government by the Japanese government thru the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Since 2002, JDS had already sent 319 government employees
and finished a 2-year master’s degree program at various Japanese well-known universities. Recently,
20 fellows who were granted with scholarship returned to
the Philippines and are expected to apply their learning
and contribute to their home agency. Three (3) among the
20 returned fellows are engineers of the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and are now
alumni of Nagoya University.

The DPWH engineers studied under the Graduate

School of Environmental Studies (GSES) and learned the
importance of integrating civil engineering and
environmental engineering to the needs of the society for
the adaptation and mitigation of the impacts of climate
change. As DPWH engineers, the research topics are
related to the mandate of the department which are
mainly about highways, bridges and flood control.

Jomar Paul Romero, affiliated to DPWH

National Capital Region (DPWH NCR), finished Master (L-R) Jomar Paul Romero (DPWH NCR),
of Engineering with a research topic of “Effects and Patrick Cerilo (DPWH-CAR) and John Jowhell
Processes of Land Use/Cover Change to Flood Damages H. Villegas (DPWH Central Office).
in Marikina River Basin, Philippines”.

Patrick Cerilo of DPWH Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH CAR) completed the
requirements of Master of Environmental Studies with his research entitled “A Study on Remaining
Fatigue Life Prediction of an ICR Treated Crack Under Tensile Loading”.

John Jowhell H. Villegas of the DPWH Bureau of Quality and Safety (DPWH BQS), finished
Master of Engineering with the research entitled “Functionality Assessment of Median-turn Lane
Pavement Markings Inside Urban Signalized Intersections.”

As they returned to the Philippines, bridges of opportunities connecting Philippines to several

international networks could further generate research collaborations which might generate potential
solutions to the problems of our society today. In addition, the treasure of values, experiences, and
learning they gained from Nagoya University could be used as a tool to impact a good change in the
system of the government. As new alumni of Nagoya University, they are expected to significantly
contribute to the fulfillment of the functions and mandate of the Department of Public Works and
Highways that will directly and/or indirectly benefit the Filipino people as a whole. (Written by John
Jowhell H. Villegas)

13
 Nagoya University Asian Satellite Campus-Philippines
admits two new Filipino PhD students for 2017
Dr. Editha Cedicol
Los Baños, Laguna- Two new Filipino doctoral students were admitted to the Nagoya University
Transnational Doctoral Program for Leading Professionals in Asian Countries during its Entrance
Ceremony held on 24 October 2017 at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium, UPLB campus, College,
Laguna. The Program is being implemented by the Nagoya University Asian Satellite Campuses
Institute (NUASCI), Japan through its Philippine satellite campus based at University of the
Philipppines Los Baños (UPLB).
The new students are Ms. Anna Floresca F. Firmalino, Assistant Professor of Economics and Director of
the University of the Philippines Professional School for Agriculture and Environment and Off-Campus
Programs, UPLB Graduate School; and Ms. Thelma A. Saludes, Senior Science Research Specialist and
Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) at UPLB. Ms. Firmalino will pursue the
Doctorate in International Development, while Ms. Saludes will pursue the Doctorate in Bioagricultural
Science.

.
Ms. Thelma A. Saludes Ms. Anna F. Firmalino

Professor Fumio Isoda, Director of the NU Asian Satellite Campuses Institute in Japan welcomed the
new students and guests during the ceremony. Mr. Toshiyuki Taguchi, Adviser for Scholarship and
Youth Programs of the Japan Embassy in Manila graced the ceremony, together with Dr. Fernando C.
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Sanchez Jr., Chancellor of UPLB; Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., Director of SEARCA, and Dr. Pag-Asa
Gaspillo, President of the NU Alumni-Philippine Branch. Meanwhile, Dr. Kazuhito Kawakita, Dean of
the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, delivered the closing message. The ceremony was
attended by UPLB Vice Chancellors, Deans, representatives of international and national agencies, and
NU alumni from the Philippines.

So far, there are already six Filipino doctoral students under the program since its opening in March
2016 after the satellite campus in the Philippines was established in 2015.

The NUASC-Philippines is one of the eight satellite campuses of NU established in Asia to implement
the hybrid PhD by Research program. Through this program, highly qualified senior and mid-level
Filipino executives of Philippine government agencies, including academic and research personnel of
the UP System through the NU-UP joint scholarship project, can pursue their doctorate degrees at NU
without having to spend three years of full-time study in Nagoya, Japan. The degree is granted by
Nagoya University. Other satellite campuses of NU have been established in Cambodia, Vietnam,
Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar. The focus areas of the doctoral program are
Agriculture, International Development, Law, and Medicine. Details about NUASCI are available at
www.asci.nagoya-u.ac.jp.

15
 NUAL-
NUAL-PH President Gaspillo highlights role of NU alumni
in 2017 NUASC Entrance Ceremony
Los Baños, Laguna- Nagoya University Alumni-
Philippines (NUAL-PH) Branch President Dr. Pag-asa
Gaspillo was one of the speakers at the Entrance
Ceremony of newly admitted doctoral students of the
university’s Transnational Doctoral Program for
Leading Professionals in Asian Countries held on 24
October 2017 at the SEARCA Auditorium, UPLB
Campus, College, Laguna.
In her message, Dr. Gaspillo stressed that the aim of
NUAL-PH as an association is “to connect Nagoya
University to the society while facilitating
communication and promoting amity among its
members and other branches..” She relayed that the
NUAL PH is one of the youngest branch (14th) to be
established among NUAL branches.
The NUAL PH was formally established on December
20, 2014 at EDSA Shangrila Hotel, and was graced by Prof. Michinari Hamaguchi, the then President of
Nagoya University, and Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, the President of NUAL.
Dr. Gaspillo highlighted the task of the NU alumni, i.e., “ to provide opportunities for cooperation,
support, participation and exchange of information, in industry, government, research and educational
institutions, and to bridge friendship and collaboration among alumni, students and teachers within
NUAL-PH and among NUAL Branches”. She reported that based on 2014 data the number of NU
alumni based on major fields showed that “Bioagricultural Science has the greatest graduates at 40,
followed by International Development at 33, Environmental Studies 11, Natural Sciences and Civil
Engineering at 9 each.” Dr. Gaspillo said that she was the only one in Chemical Engineering.
Dr. Gaspillo further reported that since the establishment of NUAL-PH, two of the NU Alumni were
awarded the Nagoya University Award for Contribution to International Exchange as follows: for 2015,
“Dai Sempai” Prof Emeritus Joseph Masangkay; and for 2017, Professor Dr. Resty Collado.
Dr. Gaspillo emphasized that the number of NU alumni from the Philippines may be small but they are
ready “ to extend support via dissemination of information about societal contributions of its alumni and
use this knowledge as basis for promoting information and human exchange and enhance the reputation
of Nagoya University to which we are grateful for the education we received.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Pag-asa Gaspillo was Vice Chancellor for Science and Technology of De La Salle Campus in Canlubang before her
retirement in September 2017. (News summary by Dr. E. Cedicol)

16
Forum on Global Development and Human Security organized
by NUAL–PH & DLSU International Studies Dept
Two Filipino NU alumni and one visiting Japanese professor from Nagoya University delivered lectures
during the Forum on “Global Development and Human Security: Perspectives from Education, Health
and Labor Studies” held on October 14, 2017 (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM) at the Animo Lab, 12th Floor,
Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University, Manila. The forum was spearheaded by the Nagoya University
Alumni Association – Philippine Branch (NUAL-PH) and hosted by DLSU International Studies
Department led by the department chair and also asst. secretary of NUAL-PH, Dr. Ron Bridget Vilog.

The NUAL-PH Officers and Resource Speakers

Dr. Pag-asa Gaspillo, president of NUAL-PH opened the forum with her remarks introducing NUAL-PH
and its mission of networking and exchange of information with industry, government, research and
educational institutions and “bridging friendship and collaboration among alumni, students and
teachers within NUAL- PH and among NUAL branches.” The speakers of the forum and their topics are:
• Education: Facing Educational Inequalities across the Globe
Dr. Takayo Ogisu (Asst. Professor, GSID, Nagoya University)
ਉ isiting Professor, DLSU International Studies Department
• Health: The Impacts of HIV and AIDS Research: The Philippines in Spotlight
Dr. Neil Tan Gana (PhD Medicine, Japanese Language 2009, Nagoya University)
Asst. Professor, Department of Biology, Ateneo De Manila University
• Labor Studies: Typology of Returning Migrant Workers
Ms. Brenalyn Peji (GSID, 2013, Nagoya University)
Institute of Labor Studies, Department of Labor and Employment

17
After the lectures, Mr. Toshiyuki Taguchi of the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) promoted
Japanese education and the Japanese Government Scholarships while the closing remarks was
delivered by Mr. Ken Nakamura of the JICC.

The forum was attended by about 50 participants - coming from various schools like Ateneo De Manila
University, Far Eastern University, University of the East and DLSU. NUAL-PH Officers and alumni were
also present. (Written by Andy Oreta)

Dr. Ron Bridget Vilog served as Dr. Takayo Ogisu answers a question
the emcee of the forum from Ms. Daisy Montesa

Dr. Neil Tan Gana Ms. Brenalyn Peji talks Mr. Ken Nakamura of
lectures on HIV & AIDS about Returning OFW’s JICC closes the forum

18
 PHOTOJOURNAL∙PHOTOJOURNAL

June 14, 2008 at Trinoma Mall, Quezon

City. Dr. Resty Collado, Dr. Andy Oreta and
Ruth Palanca met to discuss the idea of
forming a Philippine Group of Nagoya
University Alumni. After six years in
December 20, 2014, the Nagoya University
Alumni Association - Philippine Branch was
established.

Dec. 14, 2015, Nagoya University.

NUAL-PH officers and DLSU
professors, Dr, Pag-asa Gaspillo and
Dr. Andres Oreta attended the signing
of the MOA for Academic and Student
Exchange and Cooperation between
the Gokongwei College of Engineering,
De La Salle University, Philippines and
the Graduate Schools of Engineering
and the Graduate Schools of
Environmental Studies, Nagoya
University, Japan.

Jan 28, 2016, Intramuros, Manila.

Photo from Mainichi Shinbun during the
visit of the Japanese Emperor and
Empress. Daisy Montesa was one of the
former Filipino scholars selected by the
Japanese Embassy by recommendation
from PhilFEJA (Philippine Federation of
Japanese Alumni).. “What an awesome
experience having talked with the Emperor
and having shaken hands with the
Empress,” according to Daisy.

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PHOTOJOURNAL∙PHOTOJOURNAL

Aug. 14, 2016, Rockwell Club. Meeting of NUAL-PH Officers & Members

Oct. 23, 2016, Legend Hotel, Mandaluyong City.

Networking with Japanese NU alumni in the Philippines

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 PHOTOJOURNAL∙PHOTOJOURNAL

Feb. 23, 2016. NU Promotion at DLSU, Manila. Dr. Joyce Cartagena, NU Designated Associate
Professor of Graduate School of Bio-agricultural Sciences, and Designated Professors of the Dept. of
Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Dr. Peter Butko and Dr. Bert Fischer conducted an information
session on the international and graduate programs of Nagoya University.

July 23, 2017. SMDC Winds Tower 4, Tagaytay City.

NUAL-PH Officers meeting

21
 PHOTOJOURNAL∙PHOTOJOURNAL

Oct. 22, 2017, UP Microtel. NUAL-PH and NUASCI DINNER MEETING. Nagoya University officials
and professors led by Prof. Fumio Isoda, Director of the Nagoya University Asian Satellite Campuses Institute
(NUASCI) in Japan, met with the NUAL-PH officers & members. Photo (L-R): Dr. Akira Yamauchi, Professor &
Director of the International Cooperation Center for Agricultural Education, Ms. Kanae Kaneko (NUASCI Admin.
Staff), Dr. Kazuhito Kawakita (Dean, NU Grad. School of Bioagri. Sci.), Dr. Ron Vilog (NUAL-PH Asst. Secretary);
Dr. Cynthia Saloma (NUAL-PH VP); Dr. Pag-asa Gaspillo (NUAL-PH President); Dr. Joseph Masangkay (NUAL-PH
Auditor); Dr. Edgardo Tulin (NUAL-PH member); Ms. Mika Terada (NUASCI Admin. Officer); Prof. Fumio Isoda
(NUASCI Director), Dr. Andres Oreta, (NUAL-PH Secretary); Ms. Mika Terada (NUASCI Admin. Officer); Ms. Daisy
Montesa (NUAL-PH Treasurer) and Ms. Ruth Palanca (NUAL-PH member).

Nov. 17, 2017, Nagoya University. NU Filipino graduate students met Dr. Sanchez (UPLB
chancellor), Dr. Saguiguit (SEARCA director) & Dr. Cedicol (NU satellite campus - PH coordinator)

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 PHOTOJOURNAL∙PHOTOJOURNAL

2015 NAGOYA UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING DAY & AWARDING of Dr. Masangkay

2017 NAGOYA UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING DAY & AWARDING of Dr. Collado 23

 Where in the World are our
80’s & 90’s SEMPAI’s
SEMPAI’s?
Photo Name/Degree/Year Status & Email Flag

Julie-Marie I. Retired ESL Teacher

Masangkay Block 2 Lot 6 The Cambria
Japanese Language Subdivision, Bay, Laguna 4033
1982 jsmasangkay@yahoo.com

Leo Padilla Balito Horticultural Agronomist/ Plant

Ph. D. 1988 Breeder, Austchilli Pty Ltd.
Agri. Science Bundaberg, Queensland,
Australia
lbalito@yahoo.com

Ephraim E. Ibarra Professor/Inventor, Department

Japanese Language of Ceramics, Metallurgical and
1988 Mining Engineering, MSU-Iligan
Institute of Technology

Celia L. Umali Professor, Nagasaki University

PhD Economics, 1990 umari@nagasaki-u.ac.jp

Mary Ruth Palanca Director, Admissions Office &

Japanese Language Assoc. Prof. - CAS Math Dept.,
1991 University of the East
ruth_october@yahoo.com

Florante Salvador Associate Professor, College of

Japanese Language, Computer Studies, De La Salle
1991 University, Manila
florante.salvador@dlsu.edu.ph

Felino A. Cagampang Associate Professor,

MSc 1989, PhD 1992 University of Southampton
Agri. Science Faculty of Medicine, UK
f.cagampang@soton.ac.uk
Castor Leo A.
Regional Veterinary Quarantine
Ejercito
Officer, Region XII, General
Japanese Language,
Santos City, Philippines
1992
biboy.ejercito@gmail.com
24
Noemi Orolaza - Manager/Co-Owner
Halbrendt Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery,
MSc 1990, PhD Agri. USA
Sci. (Plant Pathology), halbrendtwinery@gmail.com
1993

Teresita Galamay Agriculture Specialist-Consultant

Shiner Vacaville, CA. USA
PhD Agri. Sci., 1993 tessgalamayshiner@yahoo.com

Edgardo E. Tulin President

PhD Agri. Sci., 1993 Visayas State University,
Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines
edgardo.tulin@vsu.edu.ph

Jerry Velasquez Director, Division of Mitigation

M.Eng, 1991, D. Eng, and Adaptation, Green Climate,
1994, Civil Engineering South Korea
jerry.velasquez@gmail.com

Teofilo M. Rufin Senior Account Manager –

M.Eng, 1992, D. Eng, Customers Success, Planet, USA
1995, Civil Engineering rufinphil@gmail.com

Arnel Concepcion Research Fellow, Far Eastern

PhD, Applied and University, Manila
Synthetic Chemical Residence: 6-2-34-208
Engineering, 1995 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe,
Japan

Angelina Alvarez Teacher

D. Agri. Sci., 1995 Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki-ken, Japan
lanlaguna7@yahoo.com

Gerardo Augusto Associate Professor, Gokongwei

M. Eng, Mechanical College of Engineering, De La
Engineering, 1996 Salle University, Manila
gerardo.augusto@dlsu.edu.ph

25
MEET YOUR NUAL-PH OFFICERS (2017-2019)
Pag-asa, D. GASPILLO – President
Doctor of Engineering (Chemical Eng’g), 1995
Retired – Professor, Chemical Engineering Department, De La Salle University
University Fellow - De La Salle University - Manila

Cynthia P. PALMES-SALOMA - Vice President

BS Molecular Biology, 1993
Director, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
University of the Philippines Diliman

Andres Winston C. ORETA - Secretary

M.Eng, 1991 and D. Eng,1994 (Civil Engineering)
Professor, Structural Engineering Division
Department of Civil Engineering, De La Salle University – Manila

Ron Bridget VILOG – Assistant Secretary

PhD, 2014 (International Studies)
Associate Professor and Chair
International Studies Department, De La Salle University – Manila

Daisy V. MONTESA– Treasurer

Japanese Language 1990
President 2016-2017
College of the Holy Spirit, Manila Alumnae Foundation Inc.

Sherry Ivy M. VALENZUELA – Assistant Treasurer

Masters of Environmental Studies, 2014
Environmental Management Specialist
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

Marcos Jr. B. VALDEZ – PRO

D. Agr. Sc., 2010 (Animal Genetics)
University Research Fellow and Professor
Biological Sciences Department, Far Eastern University
Joseph S. MASANGKAY – Auditor
MS, 1977 and PhD, 1983 (Agricultural Science)
Professor Emeritus, College of Veterinary Medicine
University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna

Cristino M. COLLADO – Adviser & Past President

MS, 1978 and PhD, 1982 (Animal Nutrition)
President, AgriTech Consultancy International, Inc.
Senior Regional Consultant, Sumitomo Chemicals (Animal Nutrition Division)

Get updated about NUAL- Philippine Branch. Register as an alumnus

of Meidai. Visit our blogsite at http://nufsaa.blogspot.com or join our
FB group: Nagoya University Filipino Scholars Alumni Association
(NUFSAA)

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