The Central Luzon State University has conferred upon Agriculture Secretary William Dar the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, during the university’s 69^th Annual Commencement Exercises on Friday, July 9, 2021, where Secretary Dar was the guest of honor and commencement speaker.

          The honorary degree was given to Secretary Dar in recognition of his “outstanding and exemplary contributions in the field of public service in his capacity as a former and the incumbent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.”

          It was mentioned that his initiatives as the Secretary of DA contribute to the further modernization of the agriculture and fisheries sector.

          Furthermore, Sec. Dar industrialized the value chain approach to agricultural commodity, digitized farming and agribusiness activities, systematized and strategized the development and promotion of exports of agricultural products, support farm consolidation arrangement, and strengthened private sectors and other stakeholders’ involvement in the development of a functional and sustainable agriculture roadmap.

          Also, the university recognizes the initiatives of the DA Secretary in spearheading innovative programs, amidst this present global health crisis brought by COVID-19, such as the Plant, Plant, Plant Program that benefited all farmers, fisher folks, and consumers, among others.

          Additionally, the university has awarded the same honorary doctorate degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, to Hon. Micaela Violago in recognition of her “outstanding and exemplary performance in the field of public service in her capacity as the Representative of the 2^nd Congressional District of Nueva Ecija.” The Central Luzon State University is cognizant of her remarkable achievements as a stateswoman who promoted development in the areas of health, education, culture, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection, as well as the institutionalization of the delivery of medical and financial assistance, and others.

          These two remarkable public servants truly inspired, motivated, and challenged the CLSU community and its graduates to continue to provide high-quality, relevant, innovative, and sustainable projects and activities that will greatly contribute to the development and improvement of the country.