Following the appointment of the professional boxing athlete, Manny Pacquiao, as Secretary and Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), he recently received his first-ever honorary doctorate at the Philippine Normal University (PNU).

The PNU conferred the Doctor of Physical Education and Sports, Honoris Causa, on September 16, 2026.

In an Instagram post by his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, she expressed pride and joy for her husband's new milestone.

The honorary doctorate degree aims to recognize his outstanding achievements in sports, which makes Filipinos proud. Secretary Pacquiao stated that the degree he received is not just a validation of his achievements in boxing, but he also committed to serve and inspire the younger generation, according to PNU.