The
Bicol University Board of Regents, upon the petition of the Academic Council,
and the recommendation of the University President, unanimously approved on
August 17, 2009, during the Board of Regents Meeting, the conferment of the
degree in recognition of Dr. Yap’s outstanding achievements in the fields of
education, culture, public service, peace and democracy.
Dr.
Emilio T. Yap is the Board Chair of the
Apart
from his business undertakings, he spearheaded numerous humanitarian missions in
response to the needs of his countrymen and those of some foreign countries who
were victims of natural calamities. He
is known not only for his excellence in business management and active
engagement in noteworthy charitable undertakings, but also for his deep concern
for education, demonstrated by his sincere involvement in many educational
programs that provide scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged Filipino
students.
Dr.
Yap’s generosity has recently included the Mindanao State University where he
donated PhP 5 M for the construction of academic buildings, namely: the
Integrated MSU Research and Development Center for Lake Lanao, the College of
Natural Sciences and Mathematics Bio-Chem Research Laboratory/Classroom, the
College of Agriculture Annex for the Department of Animal Science, and the
College of Public Affairs’ Institute for Local Governance and Graduate School
Accreditation Center. This move
completed government efforts to improve the conditions of the university where
the poor but deserving youth of
The
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is likewise privileged to have Dr. Yap as
one of its major partners in providing educational benefits to the children of
deceased and disabled soldiers. From
1995 to present, he has been consistent in providing generous support for this
noble cause with an average annual donation of Php 2 M.
His
advocacy for environmental care and protection was also manifested when he
spearheaded the setting up of a seed fund for the reforestation of Carood, the
most barren watershed in
Highly
recognized for his achievements, he has received about three hundred fifty (350)
awards and citations from government, professional and civic organizations
including those given by Philippine Presidents, foreign leaders and dignitaries
and twenty-two (22) Honorary Doctoral Degrees from distinguished Universities in
the
Parallel
with the university’s goal to attain national and international recognition,
it is but fitting that it recognizes individuals whose achievements have
obtained national and international acclaim.
Such is seen in Dr. Emilio Yap’s advocacies and efforts as a business
leader, touching base with a key focal concern of
The
first eight awardees conferred with the degree Doctor of Humanities, Honoris
Causa by Bicol University are the following:
Senator Francisco Tatad who received the degree in 1973; Mr. Bienvenido
Santos in 1982; Senator Dominador Aytona in 1994; His Excellency former
President Fidel V. Ramos in 1996; former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada in
1997; Jose Maria Panganiban in 1998; Senator Franklin Drilon in 2000; and
recently, the Governor of Albay, Hon. Jose Maria Clemente Salceda.
The
ninth honoree, Dr. Emilio T. Yap, the first non-Bicolano to be given this
distinction, is, according to University and Board Secretary Renato G. Hingco,
