By el Amigo
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received an honorary doctorate from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) on Thursday and challenged the university’s graduating class to turn their education into meaningful service to society.
Marcos was conferred the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa during PLM’s 58th Commencement Exercises held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
PLM described the honorary degree as its highest form of recognition and said it was granted to Marcos for his initiatives involving the rule of law, economic development, education, public health and social equity.
In accepting the distinction, Marcos said the honor also strengthened his commitment to the responsibilities of public service. He noted that PLM and his administration share the view that education should provide Filipinos with opportunities while contributing to national development.
For the graduates, the President said their education should serve a purpose beyond obtaining credentials or advancing their individual careers.
He urged them to make wise use of the knowledge and skills they acquired and to consider the positive impact they can create in the lives of other people.
“May your learning be guided by wisdom, your success measured by the lives that you uplift, and your achievements dedicated to the progress of our nation,” Marcos said.
He also pointed to government initiatives designed to expand opportunities for students who may otherwise struggle to afford college education and skills training.
According to Marcos, 2.62 million students are benefiting from Free Higher Education. The government has likewise continued assistance through programs including the Tertiary Education Subsidy and the Tulong Dunong Program.
Another initiative cited by the President is the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, which provides opportunities for outstanding senior high school graduates who intend to take priority courses in higher education.
Marcos said technical-vocational education and training would also continue to play an important role in preparing Filipinos for employment and livelihood opportunities.
He stressed that completing a degree or training program can have a wider impact, giving individuals a better chance at success, helping families improve their circumstances and preparing workers for better employment prospects.
As he closed his message, Marcos reminded the graduates to uphold the values they learned at PLM and use their education to help create a more capable, prosperous and compassionate nation.
ia/xf
