Senator Loren Legarda was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Education, Major in Educational Management, Honoris Causa, by Nueva Vizcaya State University, in recognition of her decades-long commitment to education reform and national transformation.
This marks the third honorary doctorate conferred upon Legarda by leading state universities.
In 2018, the University of the Philippines awarded the veteran legislator the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, in recognition of her service as a lawmaker, journalist, and advocate for social justice, human rights, peace, cultural diversity, environmental protection, education, and inclusive development.
In 2025, the University of Antique also conferred its first-ever Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, upon the seasoned lawmaker, honoring her legacy as a proud daughter of Antique, her transformative support for the university, and in recognition of her invaluable contributions to the nation and inclusive public service to the Filipino people.
“To be conferred this degree is to be entrusted with a responsibility larger than oneself.”
“To be conferred this degree is to be entrusted with a responsibility larger than oneself,” the lady senator said in her acceptance speech. “It affirms the truth that education is the most powerful tool we possess to dismantle inequality, empower communities, and shape a nation that is truly free and just.”
Legarda, a four-term senator and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, emphasized that education has always been central to her legislative work.
“Every measure I have authored or sponsored forms part of a larger design to secure the continuum of the Filipino learner’s journey, from early childhood to higher education, and to the unending pursuit of knowledge,” she stressed.
Legarda cited landmark laws such as RA 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act which she both authored and co-sponsored, RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education which she co-authored and co-sponsored, and RA 9512 or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act which she authored. She also highlighted RA 10908 or the Integrated History Act, which affirms the plural identity of the Filipino nation.
Recent reforms under the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM 2, which Legarda now sits as co-chairperson, include RA 12199 or the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, RA 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act and RA 12028 or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act, which address the country’s learning crisis and promote safe, nurturing school environments.
She also emphasized the importance of bridging education and employment through, RA 12063 or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act which she co-sponsored, and supporting adult learners through RA 12124 or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act which she also co-sponsored.
“This law provides flexible pathways for our hardworking kababayans to earn their college degrees.”
“This law provides flexible pathways for our hardworking kababayans to earn their college degrees,” Legarda stressed.
In honor of Filipino teachers, she co-authored and co-sponsored, RA 11997 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which raises the teaching allowance to ₱10,000 beginning 2025, and authored and co-sponsored, RA 12288 or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, which removes outdated promotion barriers.
“Para sa inyo ito, Ma’am at Sir, at sa lahat ng dakilang guro sa bansa,” Legarda said.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to funding and accountability. As chair of the Senate Committee on Finance in 2017, Legarda allocated ₱8 billion to begin funding free higher education even before it was signed into law.
Today, she continues to push for the correction of ₱12.3 billion in deficiencies owed to state universities and colleges.
“Beginning with the 2026 General Appropriations Act, this shortfall will no longer be allowed to stand,” Legarda stressed.
“This degree is not mine alone,” she said. “It honors the teachers who give more than they have, the parents who sacrifice, and the students who persevere despite hardship. When we invest in learning, we invest in the power of our nation to transform itself.”
