Distinguished Members of the Board of Trustees
     of the Philippine Women’s University;
Dr. Amelou Benitez-Reyes, President of the University;
Members of the Faculty;
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I say, most sincerely, “Thank You!”  Maraming Salamat po.

I am deeply grateful for the honor that the Board of Trustees and the Faculty of the Philippine Women’s University have bestowed on me.

Contrary to popular belief, “doctor” does not merely mean a healer. It comes from the Latin word “doceo”, meaning to teach. A scholar, after years of study, is expected to have mastered a subject, not only for his personal satisfaction, but also for sharing with others.  He shares as a “doctor”—the touch of a teacher in helping to educate others in society.

Similarly, the word “to educate” is derived from the Latin “educere”—“to bring out”.  Thus, it is not merely feeding a student with information.  More aptly, it means assisting the student to “bring out” from the depths of his own mind and spirit his innate intelligence and wisdom.

Thus, a student progressively becomes more aware of his humanity, in the context of society.  He obtains a deeper understanding of human existence, human aspirations for truth, beauty, goodness, and perfection.  He is edified by the thoughts and actions of men and women over the ages. With this knowledge of the “humanities”, a person becomes, we might say, more “human”, and becomes more aware and appreciative of his Creator’s role in his life.  Thus “empowered”, he is in the best position to help in the empowerment, as
well as spiritual transformation, of others.

You have honored me with the title of “Doctor”—in the very important discipline of “humanities”. The title may not be a recognition of academic work accomplished in the Philippine Women’s University.  It is nonetheless a
recognition and appreciation of my achievements in serving our country made possible only through constant and unceasing study and hard dedicated work.

In honoring me, you also honor the entire Philippine Foreign Service and the Philippine Government whom I have been serving for the past 37 years and the Filipino people whose national interests I continue to serve.  You have also honored the President, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for appointing me to this office of high responsibility.  We are most grateful.  I find no expression of gratitude more apt than the Ilocano “Dios ti agngina!”   May God grant it value.  May God grant you the recompense that I, by myself, cannot adequately offer.

My dear graduates, I am deeply proud to be a “member” of your graduating class.

The only way we call can say thank you - to the Philippine Women’s University, our alma mater, to our parents, to our mentors – is to work even harder – to be worthy of its trust and confidence.

Mabuhay!