Manny Pacquiao to receive honorary doctorate degree from PNU

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Normal University (PNU) will confer an honorary doctorate in physical education and sports on boxing legend and recently appointed anti-poverty czar Manny Pacquiao, recognizing his contributions to Philippine sports and his role in inspiring Filipinos to pursue excellence despite difficult circumstances.

In a statement on its website, the PNU said the 47-year-old Pacquiao would receive the Doctor in Physical Education (PE) and Sports, honoris causa, during a conferment ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. at the PNU Manila Quadrangle.

The conferment was endorsed by the PNU Academic Council and its board of regents. It was subsequently approved by the Commission on Higher Education through CEB Resolution No. 625-2026.

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According to the PNU, the country’s National Center for Teacher Education, the honorary doctorate would honor Pacquiao as an athlete, champion, inspiration, public servant and philanthropist whose life demonstrated the transformative power of sports.

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“In recognizing Manny Pacquiao, the Philippine Normal University recognizes not simply a champion, but the transformative power of sports itself,” the university said.

“In him, PNU finds a fitting embodiment of excellence: a Filipino who rose from humble beginnings, reached the highest heights of his sport, and continues to turn his success into something larger than himself,” it added.

READ: Marcos appoints Manny Pacquiao as anti-poverty chief

According to the PNU, Pacquiao, who is the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, is more than a champion in the ring.

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At a time when Filipino athletes often faced limited resources and international recognition, Pacquiao emerged as a global sports icon, bringing greater attention to the Philippines.

“His legacy came to represent not only boxing excellence but also the resilience and fighting spirit of Filipinos,” the university said.

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According to PNU, the values associated with physical education and sports—including discipline, goal-setting, teamwork, perseverance and the ability to overcome failure—were reflected in Pacquiao’s life and career.

Beyond boxing, Pacquiao has pursued a career in public service and supported programs involving marginalized communities and youth development.

He has also engaged in philanthropic initiatives focused on education, health, livelihood and community development.

On Sept. 8, Pacquiao took his oath as the lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), with a rank of Cabinet Secretary, marking his return to public service after serving as senator.

PNU said the honorary degree was meant to recognize not only Pacquiao’s achievements as an athlete but also the broader impact of his journey.

“The value of sports is not confined to medals, trophies, or records. Sports can change the trajectory of a life. It can create opportunities, cultivate character, and bring people together,” it added.

READ: Palace cites Pacquiao’s heart for the poor in NAPC appointment

In December 2019, Pacquiao graduated from the University of Makati (UMak) with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a specialization on local government administration through its equivalency program for professionals.

The program was patterned after CHEd’s Expanded Tertiary Education and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), and offered by UMak’s College of Continuing, Advanced and Professional Studies (CCAPS), in partnership with the Philippine Councilors League – Legislative Academy (PCLLA).

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Pacquiao obtained his master’s degree in management, majoring in public administration, at the Philippine Christian University in August 2022. /jpv