Days prior to its 71st Founding Anniversary, University of Antique conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa) to the Honorable Senator Lorna Regina B. Legarda on the 74th Commencement Exercises for the 1st Semester of Academic Year 2024-2025, held at Paghi-UsA Hall of the Main Campus, January 11.

UA through Board Resolution No. 7, series of 2024, confers the degree to the Antiqueña Senator as an acknowledgement of her indelible impact to the life of Antiqueños and Filipinos and to recognize her outstanding contributions in the advancement of education, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development which are deeply anchored to the ideals and goals of the academe.

Sen. Legarda on her Commencement Speech expressed how honored she is to receive the degree and to be recognized among her fellow Antiqueños in a place that truly holds the legacy of her ancestors.

“This recognition is more than just a personal milestone, I receive this today in honor of all who call Antique home, carrying with me the faith and determination that together we can continue to create a legacy worthy of our heritage,” she added.

Commission on Higher Education Chairman Dr. J. Prospero de Vera III, on his message, sent his felicitation to Sen. Legarda whom he addressed as education champions in the senate who continues to ensure that every Filipino youth can dream and aspire and complete quality education.

“… kami sa Komisyon ay buong pusong nagpapasalamat sa ating kampiyon ng edukasyon, Sen. Loren Legarda, sa iyong suporta hindi lamang sa CHED, kundi sa mas mataas na edukasyon… Your action impacts the educational landscape, and more than that many other sectors in this country,” Hon. de Vera further stated as he posed a challenged to the graduates to utilize their expertise and help the government solve the pressing problems in the country and contribute to the national development like Sen. Legarda.

Sen. Legarda is the first one to wear the UlimpAy and is also the first to receive an honoris causa degree from University of Antique since its conversion. In the history of UA, during its time as Polytechnic State College of Antique (PSCA), the honoris causa were conferred to Dr. Kim Jong Seung (Doctor of Education, 1996) and former Senator Teresa Aquino-Oreta (Doctor of Humanities, 2000).