From a Lawmaker to a Doctor

FORMER Negros Occidental 6th District Representative Mercedes “Cheding” K. Alvarez was conferred an honorary degree or Honoris Causa, Doctor of Humanities, at the same time inspirational speaker, during the 2019 Commencement Exercises of the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City.

CPSU President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, says the honorary doctorate degree was awarded to Alvarez in recognition of her meritorious contributions to the advancement of a field in a particular discipline, like her personal humanitarian accomplishments, and numerous contributions to the CPSU.

During the 17th Congress, Alvarez, who represented the 6th District of Negros Occidental, was elected as one of the Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives.

Alvarez is also a staunch advocate of sustainable tourism practices in the “CHICKS area” of the province, which stands for the 6th District municipalities and cities of Cauayan, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Candoni, Kabankalan, and Sipalay.

Alvarez, who completed her term this year, is the daughter of former Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, the newly elected Representative of the 6th District.

On October 6, 2016, she married Major Dranreb Lansang of the Philippine Army’s 1st Scout Ranger Regiment.

It was learned that the elder Alvarez will appoint his daughter as his chief of staff to assist him in pursuing vital projects and legislations in the House of Representatives.

As approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), the honorary doctorate degree that was awarded by the CPSU to Alvarez is the Doctor of Humanities, in recognition of her achievements in humanities, for productive advocacies, and for philanthropic work to honor her contributions to society in general.

The CPSU was able to confer the honorary doctorate degree because it has met the requirements set by CHEd for awarding institutions, like: it has existed as a higher education institution for a period of at least 25 years; has well-acknowledged academic reputation and institutional values and mission as adjudged by CHEd.

Along with her conferment, Dr. Mercedes K. Alvarez also served as the inspirational speaker, where she shared some of her personal struggles, challenges, and changes she dealt with.

During the event, Senator Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, who was the Guest of Honor, delivered the Commencement Address where he emphasized the value of higher education.

Also known by the Latin phrase “honoris causa,” the degree is typically a doctorate, and can be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the academic institution or no previous postsecondary education.

The rank of honoris causa is an honorific title granted through an exceptional procedure.

Originally, a university would confer the dignity of doctor honoris causa in order to distinguish a learned person whose knowledge and wisdom were considered exemplary.

Meanwhile, the CPSU, which is dubbed the “first” agricultural institution in the Philippines, has been attracting students not only from the different towns in Negros but also from the neighboring island provinces in Western Visayas due to its agricultural programs that can provide appropriate technologies and skills for productive, decent, and gainful living. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)

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