The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) has conferred upon Senator Bam Aquino the degree of Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Philippine education, particularly his authorship of the Free College Law, which continues to benefit millions of Filipino students across the country.
Aquino received the honorary degree on Wednesday during the PLM Graduation Ceremonies, where he also served as guest of honor and commencement speaker.
“Today, we confer on him our highest honor, Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa. We award this in recognition of Senator Bam’s meritorious contribution to the advancement of education in our country as a student, as a youth leader, and as a legislator-senator,” said Atty. Edward Serapio, chairman of the PLM Board of Regents.
“Senator Aquino’s public service is marked by a relentless focus on expanding access to quality education and strengthening the systems that sustain it. Notably, he authored and championed the Free Tuition in Higher Education agenda that culminated in the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Republic Act 10931, for which many of you are beneficiaries,” Serapio added.
Serapio emphasized that the landmark legislation stands as a reflection of Aquino’s lifelong advocacy to make higher education accessible to every Filipino eager to learn and contribute to nation-building.
This marks Aquino’s second honorary doctorate, following his conferment of the same title from Tarlac State University (TSU) in 2017.
As the principal sponsor of Republic Act No. 10931, Aquino spearheaded its passage in 2017 when he chaired the Senate Committee on Education, securing funding for free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and select private institutions through government subsidies.
Recently, Aquino reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring adequate funding for the 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Free College Law under the 2026 national budget. Currently, around 2.2 million students in SUCs and LUCs are directly benefiting from the law, while 1.3 million students in private universities and colleges receive aid through the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).
In his address, Aquino renewed his call to reallocate the ₱260 billion flood control fund toward education, health, and other essential public services.
“Edukasyon, hindi korapsyon. Tanggalin ang pondo sa flood control, ilagay sa classroom. Tanggalin iyong pondo sa flood control, ilagay sa tulong para sa guro. Tanggalin iyong pondo sa flood control, ilagay sa mas maraming scholarship and subsidiya para sa mga kabataan natin,” Aquino declared, drawing applause from the graduates and guests.