SGI President Daisaku Ikeda has received total of 254 honorary doctorates
and academic titles from academic institutions and organizations around
the world to the present. From the Philippines, 15 universities and colleges
have bestowed honorary doctorate upon him. In this page, each honorary
doctorate that President Ikeda has received from the Philippines is introduced.
Vol.6: Gregorio Araneta University - De La Salle Araneta University
- (March 14, 2002)
University's School Building
Gregorio Araneta University conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities
upon SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held in the
head office of Seikyo Newspaper in Tokyo on March 14, 2002, with the attendance
of distinguished guests – Mr. Rogelio M. Quiambao, the former Supreme Commander
of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, and his wife, Mr. Hilario Davide
Jr., Chief Justice of the Philippines, and his wife.
On Gregorio Araneta University Gregorio Araneta University was founded by Mr. Salvador Araneta in 1946.
"Gregorio Araneta" is the name of his father who served as the
Minister of Law as the first Filipino under American rule, and dedicated
his later years to education. Mr. Salvador, who succeeded to his father's
will, founded the university to foster the youth who contribute to the
independence and peace of the Philippines.
The Summary - President Ikeda's Speech As Dr. Salvador, the founder of Gregorio Araneta University, said that
the path to peace starts with each one of us, the great change of the world
starts with the great change within one single human being. Once, the brutal
Japanese military invaded the Philippines and destroyed an inestimable
number of precious lives, including Dr. Salvador’s siblings. Gregorio Araneta
University rose from such an indescribable tragedy to initiate the holy
work of humanistic education. Fighting thoroughly against nationalism –
this is the very soul of Soka Gakkai following the first president Makiguchi,
a martyr to peace.
Dr. Jose Rizal maintained that a human being's duty today is to dedicate
oneself for the salvation of all humanity. Chief Justice Davide tells us
that what renders a human being most human is his contribution, and encourages
us to take courageous action for those who are suffering. Let us advance
together, carrying an eternal hope, in realizing the peace of the world.
