May 24, 2024 – At the recent ASCOT Meet and Greet Gala held at the Baler Convention Center in Baler, Aurora, a heartwarming moment unfolded as Dr. Fumio Eguchi, President of Tokyo University of Agriculture, presented a golden samurai headdress as gift to ASCOT President Dr. Renato G. Reyes.

The exchange was more than just a formal gesture; it symbolized the enduring friendship between the two presidents. Dr. Reyes affectionately refers to Dr. Eguchi as “Sensei,” a term of respect in Japanese meaning “teacher.” Their bond dates back to their collaborative efforts in agricultural research and education in Japan during Dr. Reyes’ doctoral & post-doctoral studies as Japanese government scholar and JSPS post doctoral fellow respectively.

In a Facebook post, President Eguchi expressed his gratitude and honor for the invitation to the event. He shared his joy in visiting the Philippines and reuniting with his “best friend and former Philippine philanthropist researcher.”

“I pray for the development of the University and international exchanges under the leadership of President Renato G. Reyes,” President Eguchi remarked in English.

As a token of appreciation, the presidents exchanged gifts, further strengthening the ties between their institutions. President Eguchi’s visit proved fruitful, with ongoing discussions regarding academic and research collaborations between Tokyo University of Agriculture and ASCOT.