PSU to Award Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree to Executive Secretary Ochoa

PUERTO PRINCESA – Citing his pro-development programs and outstanding contributions in public service, the Palawan State University (PSU) will confer upon Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. the honorary degree Doctor of Laws at its 37th Commencement Exercises on April 15.

The Board of Regents of PSU, a premier higher learning institution in Region IV-MIMAROPA, has unanimously endorsed Ochoa as the one and only recipient of honoris causa for this year because of “his drive and exemplary work,” according to Commissioner Nona Ricafort of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), although the university is entitled to choose two per school year.

Conferment of honoris causa is an academic exercise which exhibits the admiration and appreciation of an academic institution to an honoree, and based on the charter of PSU, its Board of Regents is empowered to award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their exceptional contribution in the field of education, public service, arts, science and technology or in any field of specialization within the academic competence of the university.

“As demonstrated during his term as assistant secretary and city administrator then to former Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, (Ochoa) was instrumental in the planning and strategizing (of) various major projects and activities that brought glaring progress to Quezon City and its people,” Ricafort said.

As an outstanding government official with sterling qualities and impressive leadership and management credentials, Ricafort added, Ochoa “has rightfully earned this doctorate degree through his determination, persistence and faith, as shown in his long years of success and achievements.”

In a letter to CHEd Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, PSU President Teresita Salva said Ochoa had “exuded dedication in the attainment of liveable communities in the country in the context of good governance, empowering communities to be free from poverty and injustices, and equality in access to government development efforts.”

Salva also told CHEd that Ochoa’s “notable achievements (are) worthy of emulation and praise for exemplifying in his deeds the tenets of service, a principle for which PSU stands and lives by.”