NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA) -- The University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) has conferred the Doctor of Humanities degree, honoris causa upon Atty. Francis John Melvin Padua Papica in recognition of his commendable contribution as a lawyer, and for his benevolence as a philanthropist epitomized by his generosity that made education accessible to poor but deserving Filipino youth.

The awarding and conferment were done through a special academic convocation ceremony held on July 2, Saturday at the UNEP CCA Theatre, Iriga City.

“I cannot fathom in the life of me, how giving back to the society is being honored by people or by institutions like UNEP, because to me, doing something good is something that we should do, anyway. But because you have given me that honor, there is more responsibility for me to do good, anyway,” Papica said as he humbly accepted the honor given to him by the university.

Earlier in his speech, he recited Mother Teresa’s old adage which speaks of how men are not cognizant of one’s true intentions; of “people becoming unreasonable, illogical and self-centered” and how they judge and tarnish other’s reputation by their own perceptions.

“Mother Teresa once said, people are often unreasonable and self-centered, forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motive, be kind anyway. If you are honest, people will cheat you, be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous, be happy anyway.  The good you do today maybe forgotten tomorrow, be good anyway.  Give the world the best that you have. It may never be enough give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them, anyway,” Papica quoted.

The honorand said that Mother Teresa’s words were the depiction of how he has lived his life.

“My life story has been said, written, been shown on TV a number of times, and it made me realized that we are put on this world because we are here to make a difference in the life of people; and when you are tasked to make a difference in the lives of people, this responsibility carries on, not just on a daily basis but throughout your lifetime,” Papica added.

UNEP President Atty. Peachy Alfelor- Moraleda said that Atty. Papica is an embodiment of an individual that exemplifies tenacity.

“Beyond the story of hard work and perseverance, beyond paying it forward to the communities that benefited from his magnanimity is the story of hope. His story should be shared far and wide to give hope to those who dream, young and old. As his star continues to shine, we would like others to be guided, and be inspired by his examples. Individuals like him give us hope,” Moraleda stated.

UNEP Vice President and VP for Finance Deli Alfelor-Tibi also extended her congratulations to the honorand, for being a brilliant lawyer, patriotic Overseas Filipino worker, champion for migrant workers, a generous philanthropist, and a proud son of Bicol.

Papica is also the founder of the Francis Padua Papica Foundation, Inc. (FPPFI), which is celebrating its Silver anniversary this year. 

“FPPFI has served the Filipino people by giving opportunities to hundreds of students through scholarship grants. He also provided thousand of books and school supplies and conducts annual FPPFI leadership convention which has been attended by over 12,000 students from the Bicol Region,” Tibi added.

FPPFI also donated Php1M to the Department of Education to help rehabilitate schools in Bicol.  (PIA5/Camarines Sur)