By Gabriela Baron
The Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) is set to confer an honorary degree to former Vice President Leni Robredo.
In a memo released Wednesday, July 27, and signed by AdMU President Roberto Yap SJ, the University said honorary degrees are conferred upon persons “who have made notable and invaluable advancements in their field” and those who “have been recognized for them.”
“Ideally, they have dedicated themselves to a noble cause for the benefit of others, and are renowned for their work in advancing social justice and development, as well as compassionate action and humanitarian service,” Yap said.
“They must be persons of integrity and probity, exemplars of Ateneo ideals, whom the University is honored to include in its roster of alumni,” he added.
AdMU cited Robredo’s “remarkable contributions” on poverty alleviation through partnership with international organizations, local foundations, and other non-government organizations, corporations, and local government units.
“Her responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, natural and man-made disasters, and violations against human rights and the Philippines’ national sovereignty, demonstrate a leadership that is both strategic and compassionate, qualities which we hope to form in our students, graduates, and employees.”
Robredo served as the country’s vice president from 2016 to 2022. She now heads the Angat Buhay Foundation, a non-profit organization she formed in July.
The conferment will take place on Aug. 27 during Robredo’s commencement speech to the 2022 graduates of the Loyola Schools. –ag
