SENATOR Joel Villanueva was conferred an honorary Doctor of Education degree by Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) during its 14th Conferment Rites held on June 5 in Camiling, Tarlac.

“Our honoree today is a distinguished public servant, a steadfast advocate of skills development, and a champion of labor rights and inclusive education,” said TAU President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC Salunson, recognizing Villanueva’s more than two decades of public service.

Villanueva expressed his deep gratitude for the honoris causa recognition.

“More than a personal achievement, this recognition is a testament to the efforts and hard work of people who believed in me. It strengthens our commitment to continue meaningful work so our kababayans can have dignified employment and our youth can access relevant education,” he said.

“Truth is, the feeling is overwhelming—standing here accepting this prestigious honorary doctorate degree,” Villanueva added, joking, “I’m still trying to figure out how I landed here, but I’m definitely not complaining.”

Villanueva currently chairs the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development. He previously served as Senate Majority Leader and as Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), where he oversaw programs that provided technical-vocational training to millions of Filipinos.

He also sits as a Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), tasked with evaluating the education sector and advancing key reforms.

The honorary degree is the highest academic recognition given by TAU and is reserved for individuals whose contributions reflect the University’s core values, mission, and vision.

TAU said that Villanueva’s work in advancing technical-vocational education, labor rights, and inclusive learning—particularly during his time as a Senate committee chair and a member of TAU’s Board of Regents during the COVID-19 pandemic—aligns closely with its mission of promoting inclusive and resilient education.

In the Senate, Villanueva has authored and sponsored landmark education laws such as the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act, Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program Act, and the Philippine Qualifications Framework Act, among others.