House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has been conferred the Award of Distinction by his fellow alumni from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law.
“It is my honor to uphold the values and embody the Tomasian spirit in my career as a public servant,” Velasco said.
“I consider this a privilege and as proof that I am treading the right path in my work as a legislator,” he added.
The award, the highest honor the UST Law Alumni Foundation Inc. can bestow, is given to distinguished law graduates of the university in recognition of their outstanding career achievements, leadership in the professions and noteworthy public service.
The foundation recognized the 44-year-old Velasco for his “sterling leadership” as Speaker of the House of Representatives, representative of the lone district of Marinduque province, past president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Marinduque Chapter, and provincial administrator of Marinduque. Velasco has “proudly exhibited an unqualified commitment to serve God and the nation through a strong adherence to the Thomasian core values of competence, compassion, and commitment,” it cited.
He was also recognized for his “impeccable governance marked with honesty and selflessness.”
The foundation noted Velasco’s “firm determination to conduct his professional and personal endeavors with integrity, thereby enhancing the honor and prestige of his venerable Alma Mater, the Faculty of Civil Law of the [UST].”
It gave the plaque of appreciation to Velasco as keynote speaker at the 287th Founding Anniversary of the UST Faculty of Civil Law and Grand Alumni Reunion for 2020 and 2021 held on Dec. 5.
Velasco, for his part, thanked the foundation for the recognition as he attributed his career brilliance to the sound education he acquired from his alma mater.
He earned a degree in business management from the De La Salle University, and obtained his law degree from UST and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2005.
Prior to becoming provincial administrator under then-governor Jose Antonio Carrion, Velasco worked at the Supreme Court — first as court attorney and then as judicial staff head.