President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) during the university’s 58th commencement exercises on Thursday, August 27.
The university conferred the honorary degree in recognition of Marcos’ efforts in economic development, education, public health services, and the promotion of social equity.
In his speech, Marcos expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying it came with a renewed sense of responsibility.
“Today, I stand before you, humbled as the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila confers upon me the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa—its highest honorary degree,” Marcos said in his speech delivered at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
“This recognition affirms a principle that my Administration shares with the PLM: that education must remain a pathway to opportunity, a catalyst for progress, and a cornerstone of nation-building,” Marcos said.
Marcos also highlighted his administration’s efforts to expand access to higher education, including the continued implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the expansion of government financial assistance programs.
According to Marcos, around 2.62 million students are benefiting from free higher education, while programs such as the Tertiary Education Subsidy and the Tulong Dunong Program continue to provide financial support to students.
He also said technical-vocational education and training would remain an important pathway to employment and livelihood opportunities.
“Every Filipino who completes higher education or training represents far more than a diploma or a certificate earned,” Marcos said.
“This achievement gives someone a fairer chance to succeed, brings a family closer to a better future, equips a worker with the knowledge and skills for greater opportunities,” Marcos added.
“Wherever life takes you, remain true to the ideals of this university. Use what you have learned to help build a stronger, more prosperous, and more compassionate Philippines,” he said.
Marcos also received a memento from PLM—a miniature replica of the university’s seated statue of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno attended the ceremony.
