Nine new students from the Philippines join Nagoya University for transnational doctoral programs

Nagoya University welcomed its largest-ever cohort from the Philippines joining the Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (ASCI) transnational doctoral programs, in an entrance ceremony held at the University of Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The ceremony, held on October 13, 2026, at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Umali Auditorium located at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) campus, brought together more than 75 participants, including Nagoya University and UPLB leaders and faculty, alumni, and current ASCI students.

The new students are working professionals from universities, industry, and the government. The ASCI program allows them to pursue doctoral research while remaining in their posts and working in the Philippines. Faculty members from Nagoya University and local advisors in the Philippines supervise students through online and in-person methods. Nagoya University also sends academic advisors to supervise their students in the Philippines while students can spend about two months studying in Nagoya each year.

Nagoya University President Naoshi Sugiyama welcomed the new cohort, which includes two students entering the Graduate School of Engineering, three joining the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, two joining the Graduate School of International Development, and two joining the Graduate School of Environmental Studies.

“You have already demonstrated that you have what it takes,” Sugiyama told the students, encouraging them to view the doctorate not as a sprint but as a marathon. “Now, the next step is to pursue your research diligently and become truly accomplished intellectuals,” he added.

UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. said the program trains researchers and professionals equipped to address challenges important to the Philippines and the region.

“You carry the trust of your institutions and your country,” Camacho said, urging the students to make the most of the knowledge, networks and friendships they will gain.

Here are details of the new cohort and their affiliations across the four graduate schools:

• Graduate School of Engineering: Engr. Lynith C. Datukon, chair of the Civil Engineering Department at Ateneo de Davao University, and Engr. Ronnel M. Quinto, assistant professor at PHINMA-Araullo University.
• Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences: Dr. Nico Jayson C. Anastacio, director and university researcher at UPLB; Ms. Cindy E. Poclis, assistant professor at Mindanao State University–Maguindanao; and Mr. Jayric F. Villareal, assistant professor at Mindanao State University–Maguindanao.
• Graduate School of International Development: Dr. Carolyn R. Zalameda-Castro, associate professor at the University of the Philippines Manila, and Mr. Sofonias P. Gabonada Jr., supervising political affairs officer at the Philippine House of Representatives.
• Graduate School of Environmental Studies: Ms. Arlene B. Tolentino, assistant professor at UPLB, and Engr. Jefferson R. Vallente Jr., assistant dean at Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan.

Faculty representatives of the respective graduate schools: Professor Hikaru Nakamura (Engineering), Dean Mikio Nakazono (Bioagricultural Sciences), Dean Yuzuru Shimada (International Development), and Dean Hiroki Tanikawa (Environmental Studies) offered words of encouragement to their students and reminded them of the value that advanced training in their selected discipline will provide to the society.

A continuing partnership

Dr. Akira Yamauchi, director of Nagoya University’s Asia Collaborative Development Department and ASCI, highlighted the program’s growing network of graduates, current students and institutional partners in the Philippines.

“We are very pleased to inform you that the students are coming from a very wide range of institutions,” Yamauchi said.

Nagoya University Vice President Yoshiyuki Suto said the students will become part of an academic community connecting Japan, the Philippines and the wider international community.

“International collaboration is not simply about institutions signing agreements,” Suto said. “It is about building lasting relationships among people who share a commitment to learning, discovery and the advancement of society.”

Click through more pictures of the event below: