University of the Philippines Diliman
Fidel R. Nemenzo, D.SC.
Chancellor

University of the Philippines Diliman
Fidel R. Nemenzo, D.SC.
Chancellor

On behalf of the University of the Philippines Diliman, I would like to congratulate Soka University on reaching a milestone of celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 2, 2021.

We consider Soka University to be one of our strongest and most active partners, as we celebrate more than 30 years of friendship, which was started with former UP President Jose Abueva and Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, the founder of Soka University. Throughout the years since 1988, as strengthened by several agreements signed by both parties, our partnership has resulted in numerous fruitful collaborations such as lectures, trainings, symposia, exhibits, etc. Notably, we have also been collaborating since as early as 1996 through inbound and outbound student and staff exchange. To date, we have already exchanged almost around 100 students, not yet counting 15-25 students Soka University sends to UPD to participate in the Intensive English Program almost annually. Most recently, three senior staff members from the Office of International Linkages Diliman were hosted by Soka University as part of their benchmarking activities in partner universities in Japan. We are truly thankful for Soka University's hospitality and willingness to share its best practices and knowledge to our staff.

We echo the message of Chairman Yasunori Tashiro last September 2019 during their visit to UPD for the donation of photographs taken by Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, that "Balay Kalinaw/lkeda Hall is a symbol of our friendship of over 30 years." We offer our most sincere wishes for a successful celebration of Soka University's 50th anniversary, and we look forward to continue working with Soka University to further strengthen our friendship in the years ahead.