By Gabriela Baron
The University of the Philippines (UP) conferred on Friday, Jan. 27, an honorary Doctors of Laws degree to Senator Mark Villar, citing his “valuable contribution” to the country and to the UP community.
The honorary degree is conferred on individuals for outstanding achievements in their fields and exemplary service to their fellowmen, according to UP.
“[I am] truly humbled and privileged as I accept this great honor bestowed upon me. One of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon someone, from one of the most prestigious institutions in the world,” Villar said during his acceptance speech as he thanked UP.
“I would like to dedicate this award to all those who have guided, helped, and sometimes carried me in this journey. It’s an honor to serve as a vessel for the dreams of so many Filipinos who dream of better tomorrow and yearn for a country where we can all achieve the high quality of life that all Filipinos deserve,” Villar added.
The UP recognized Villar’s accomplishments as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) where he led the “Golden Age of Infrastructure.”
The University also recognized the senator’s “instrumental” construction and rehabilitation of numerous facilities in different UP campuses.
Opposition
Meanwhile, UP’s conferment earlier drew opposition from student’s representative in the university’s highest policy-making body.
The UP Office of the Student Regent (OSR), representing students in the UP Board of Regents, earlier expressed opposition to the move.
“[Despite] his contributions to several infrastructure projects in the University as the Secretary of Public Works and Highways, we must also look into the character of him as part of the Villar family,” OSR said in a statement.
“Several issues of land-grabbing and development aggression hound their family’s reputation and his stint as the Secretary of DPWH exacerbated these key issues,” it added.
OSR said a conferment of honorary degree to Villar “seemingly puts all these issue under the rug.” –ag
