Eight-division world boxing champion and recently appointed anti-poverty czar Manny Pacquiao received an honorary doctorate from the Philippine Normal University (PNU) on Wednesday, September 16, in recognition of his contributions to Philippine sports and his role in inspiring Filipinos to pursue excellence despite adversity.
PNU, the country’s National Center for Teacher Education, conferred upon Pacquiao the degree of Doctor in Physical Education and Sports, Honoris Causa, during the university’s 125th Founding Anniversary.
In his keynote address, Pacquiao reflected on how sports shaped his character and helped him overcome hardships, drawing parallels between athletic discipline and life.
“In boxing you can be knocked down, but the important thing is that you learn how to stand up again and elevate your vision,” Pacquiao said.
“And I belive that is also one of the greatest lesson that education can teach us. Life will knocked us down many times, but our characteri revealed by how we rise," he added.
He emphasized that education should go beyond academic learning, saying it should also develop character, leadership, creativity, and other aspects of a person’s life.
Pacquiao also described sports as his “greatest teacher,” saying it taught him valuable lessons that extended beyond the boxing ring.
“Sports taught me discipline when nobody was watching. It taught me perseverance when I wanted to give up. It taught me courage when I was afraid,” he said.
Pacquiao urged young Filipinos to believe in themselves and not allow their present circumstances to determine their future.
“Believe in yourself. Do not allow your present situation to define your future. Dream big, work hard, remain humble, and never be afraid to start from the bottom,” he said.
“Success becomes meaningful when it is used to help others,” he added.
