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.9: Pampanga Agricultural College (March 16, 2006)
Pampanga Agricultural College conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities
upon President Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held during the commencement
exercises of Soka High School in Tokyo on March 16, 2006. .
On Pampanga Agricultural College Pampanga Agricultural College is located in the Province of Pampanga, the
midland of Luzon Island, where great farming districts spread. Pampanga
Agricultural College was founded in 1885. The graduates are active in various
fields such as agriculture, veterinary, and education.
Pampanga was extensively bombed by the Japanese military on December 8,
1941, the day when the Pacific War broke out.
The campus of Pampanga Agricultural College was also invaded by them and
was used as their station. The then President of the College was the grandfather
of the present President Batad. He survived the Bataan Death March, and
resumed the school after the war to foster capable persons who would contribute
to peace.
The Summary - President Ikeda's Speech The greatest person is a person of filial piety as well as a person of learning, i.e. one who has both excellent intelligence and consideration for others. Then, what is true filial piety? It is to never get defeated in any difficulties; that wherever you may be right now, you will be victorious in the end. The victory of the graduate is a victory of the alma mater and of the parents. My only wish is that you will win an absolute victory and for you to be good to your parents.
The grandfather and father of the president, Dr. Batad, also served as
the President of the College. The steady foundation of the College was
laid down by these three generations. During World War II, the Japanese
military devastated the noble campus of the College. This history of barbarity
is a dishonor to Japan, which we must never forget. I would like to declare
clearly that it is the three mentors and disciples of Soka education who
fought firmly against the diabolic nature of Japanese nationalism.
When the agricultural grounds around Pampanga province suffered great damage
from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, Pampanga Agricultural College
took the lead for the revival of the agriculture industry. This noble history
tells us that learning is indeed the source of good action; learning exists
for justice of humanity; and learning is the principle of victory in one's
life. Lastly, I would like to share with you the words of the father of
Dr. Batad – those who are firmly resolved to win will win.
