Robredo receives honorary doctorate from a university in Bicol

Vice President Leni Robredo has received an honorary doctorate from a university in her home province, Camarines Sur.

The Iriga City-based University of Saint Anthony conferred upon Robredo a Doctor of Humanities degree, honoris causa, during commencement rites on Wednesday afternoon.

At commencement rites, University of Saint Anthony conferred upon VP @lenirobredo an honorary doctorate in humanities. ????: OVP pic.twitter.com/VpTjRil1Vi

— Aica Dioquino (@AicaDioquino) April 19, 2017

The university cited her as a “public servant, civic leader, humanist, educator, champion of human rights, and for being an epitome of character, a woman of grace and wit, and a Bicolana by blood and heart.”

It was the second honorary doctorate awarded to Robredo, who worked as an alternative lawyer before entering politics. She received an honorary degree for Public Administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 2015.

In her commencement speech, the Vice President also called on new graduates to “always consider the future as one of great promise,” not only for themselves, but “for this country we love.”

“Even now, we are not spared of the most serious challenges … These are indeed extraordinary times and it will require extraordinary people to ensure that our nation survives and excels despite the difficult challenges we face,” she said.

Robredo on Wednesday was also a guest speaker at the commencement rites of Bicol College in Daraga, Albay.

Robredo's conferment came amid the controversial plan of the University of the Philippines’ Board of Regents (BOR) to confer an honorary doctor of laws degree on President Rodrigo Duterte.

Members of the BOR said it was the state university’s tradition to offer an honorary doctorate to a sitting president.

However, the proposed move was met by backlash from Duterte’s critics, including UP students and alumni, who pointed out the spate of killings since he assumed office.

On Wednesday, Duterte declined the honorary doctorate because he did “not accept awards.” — BAP, GMA News