COTABATO CITY – Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu is a recipient of an honorary doctorate public administration degree from a British university for practical leadership practices and governance initiatives promoting socio-economic and political welfare of constituents.
Mangudadatu received his honorary degree from Commonwealth University and the London Graduate School at the end of the three-day Dubai Leaders’ Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last Dec. 14, a report from his office said Monday.
Aside from him, other recipients of the awards were former US President Barack Obama and entrepreneur-philanthropist Bill Gates, co-founder of the Microsoft information technology business.
It was the first time the Maguindanao governor attended the Dubai summit facilitated twice a year by the Commonwealth University and the London Graduate School.
Aside from honorary doctorate degree, the London Graduate School also granted Mangudadatu a Master Class Certificate in Business Management and Leadership.
According to the provincial governor who lost his wife and relatives in what is now known as 2009 Maguindanao massacre, it was always his desire to improve governance in the province rocked by corruption, partisanships and violence.
He said the doctorate title was in recognition of his peace-building efforts and people’s empowerment program in Maguindanao.
“This is not a personal honor. This is an honor for the entire province and its people,” he said in a statement.
Mangudadatu said the Commonwealth University also recognized his resilience in coping with the effects of Maguindanao massacre on his family and the people he served.
Instead of addressing violence with violence, the governor embarked on empowering Maguindanaons through education and political reforms to help the government address decades-old domestic peace and order issues. (PNA)
