THE ATENEO de Manila University will confer an honorary Doctor of Economics degree on former Vice President Leni Robredo in August.

In a memorandum dated July 27, Ateneo President Fr. Roberto Yap said the university gives the honorary degree to individuals who have made notable and invaluable advancements in their field and have been recognized for them.

“Ideally, they have dedicated themselves to a noble cause for the benefit of others, and are renowned for their work in advancing social justice and development, as well as compassionate action and humanitarian service,” Yap said.

“They must be persons of integrity and probity, exemplars of Ateneo ideals, whom the University is honored to include in its roster of alumni,” he added.

The school official said that Robredo “made remarkable contributions towards poverty alleviation, in spite of limited government budget, through the programs her office undertook with a vast network of partners—international organizations, local foundations and other non-government organizations, corporations, and local government units” when she was vice president.

“Her responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, natural and man-made disasters, and violations against human rights and the Philippines’ national sovereignty, demonstrate a leadership that is both strategic and compassionate, qualities which we hope to form in our students, graduates, and employees,” Yap added.