Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña was recently conferred with Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the University of the Philippines (UP) during the 21st Commencement Exercises of UP Mindanao
The degree was conferred upon de la Peña to honor his contributions to UP where he served as Director for the UP Institute for Small Scale Industries (1992-2001) and Vice President for Planning and Development for the entire UP System (1993-1999).
The degree honors de la Peña’s decades of service to DOST, as well as his contributions to national development.
The citation reads, “under his leadership, the DOST has taken on Science for the People as its battle cry, actively seeking means by which science can best serve the needs and interests of the Filipino people and support the socio-economic development of all Filipinos, particularly those in the neediest regions.”
UP President Danilo L. Concepcion and the committee of honorary degrees recommended the conferment of the Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree on de la Peña.
The Doctor of Laws honoris causa is the highest degree that can be awarded to an individual.
Prior to his leadership of the DOST, de la Peña had been Undersecretary of the said department under two previous administrations