Amidst the sea of young faces at the University Auditorium during the Recognition of the November 2025 ALE Passers on February 2, 2026, one story stood out as a testament to the timeless pursuit of dreams: the story of Gerald V. Sanchez, a man who proved that excellence has no expiration date.
Gerald, a graduate of Mindoro State University, then known as the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology, completed his degree in 1992, three decades before he would formally earn his professional license. At the time of his graduation, the Agriculturist Licensure Examination had not yet been institutionalized, and like many professionals of his generation, he entered the workforce guided by skill, experience, and dedication rather than licensure.
Following graduation, Gerald built his career through years of hands-on work. He spent seven years in the private sector, honing his technical and managerial skills, before dedicating 16 years as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Spain. Though far from home, his work ethic and grounding in agricultural principles remained steadfast. His journey eventually led him back to public service, where he has been serving Filipino farmers for the past three years through the Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA, directly supporting rural communities and advancing agricultural development in the region.
When the Agriculturist Licensure Examination was later institutionalized, Gerald saw it not as an obligation but as an opportunity - a chance to formally affirm decades of professional practice.
While many of his fellow passers were born years after he first walked the halls of MinSU, Gerald’s journey remained rooted in the soil of his alma mater. Despite the thirty-year gap between his graduation and his licensure, his resolve never withered.
"Thirty years na simula nang grumaduate ako, ngayon nga, masasabi kong lisensyado na ako," Gerald shared, reflecting on his long-awaited milestone. He noted that despite the decades that had passed, the desire to formalize his expertise and take the board exam remained a personal mission. Through grit, perseverance, and a stroke of what he calls luck, though many would call it destiny, he successfully navigated the rigorous national exam.
An Inspiration to the Youth
Gerald’s success added a profound layer to the message of Dr. Christian B. Apostol, Campus Executive Director, who likened the passers to patient farmers. If the other passers represented a quick-growing seasonal crop, Gerald was the fruit of a perennial tree - deeply rooted and finally bearing its most significant harvest.
His achievement served as a living example of the university’s core value of Resilience. During her speech, University President Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol emphasized that the university remains a partner for every Mindoreño, regardless of how much time has passed since they were students.
Bridging Generations
Gerald’s story resonated deeply with the 76 other passers, serving as a reminder that the field of agriculture is built on both the energy of the youth and the wisdom of experience. As MinSU celebrates its status as the Top 2 Performing School in the nation with a 92.77% passing rate, Gerald stands as a symbol that the university’s mission to produce quality professionals transcends generations.
For the faculty, staff, students, and its community, Gerald is not just a passer; he is a reminder that Mindoro State University is a lifetime home for those who dare to persevere.
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