UPLB leadership to stop exodus of professors, scientists

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, Philippines  — The top official of the University of the Philippines Los Baños has committed to stop the “exodus” of UPLB’s best and brilliant researchers and faculty members.

Newly appointed chancellor Fernando Sanchez Jr. is looking forward to UPLB regaining its status as the leading tertiary institution in agriculture not only locally  but also among developing countries.

“All renowned global universities have strong Social Sciences/Humanities academic programs,” he stressed.

He said UPLB should also shift into a research-intensive and an entrepreneurial university from one with teaching as its strength. It should redesign its curricular offerings to include technology innovation and entrepreneurial system focused on the skills required by industries and with humanitarian and social concerns, Sanchez said.     

These are the thrusts that UPLB will pursue under the administration of Sanchez, who assumed UPLB’s top post last Nov. 1. He succeeded Rex Victor Cruz whose term as chancellor ended on Oct. 31.

The 48-year-old chancellor bared his dream of a reinvigorated UPLB in his vision titled “Unity in Diversity: A Forward-Looking Globally Competitive Research University.”

He recalled that the flight of many academic staff and researchers began in the 1980s not because of money  “but primarily due to the environment in the office.”

“There is a need to address issues and concerns about improved working conditions; administrative, scientific, and academic environments; upgraded facilities; and very important, but oftentimes taken for granted, improved atmosphere and procedures that will enhance interpersonal relationships,” Sanchez pointed out.