MANILA, Philippines - World boxing champion and Sarangani province lone district Rep. Manny Pacquiao finished yesterday his 10-day crash course on Development Legislation and Governance at the Graduate School of Public and Development Management of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
Pacquiao received his certificate in simple graduation rites at the Virata Hall of DAP in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
The neophyte congressman expressed his satisfaction over the things he had learned, saying that aside from being informative, the lectures were also an account of the real life experiences of the resource speakers, which made it easy for him to capture the ideas and relate them to what he is planning to do in his term of office.
“It is a great honor to be a graduate of this learning institution. The past days have been fun, memorable, and fruitful for me. Now I’m more prepared to face my responsibilities as congressman of my province,” Pacquiao told The STAR.
The seven-division world boxing champion was joined by his wife Jinkee, who participated in all the sessions and also took a special course for congressional spouses.
Pacquiao’s congressional chief-of-staff Franklin Gacal said the neophyte congressman is a fast learner and eager to learn things on parliamentary governance.
Pacquiao, in his graduation speech, said it was a great opportunity for him to learn with DAP.
“When I was young, I dreamed of writing, reading and learning but I was deprived because of poverty... now this is it,” he said, showing off his certificate.
Gov. Chavit Singson of Ilocos Sur and former Environment secretary Lito Atienza, who were both present, said they were happy for Pacquiao and they will accompany the congressman on his first day in Congress on July 1.