Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has admitted that he did not finish his studies because he was hindered by the obligations of fatherhood at the age of 19.
In a press release posted on DA's official website on Monday, Nov. 13, Laurel debunked reports claiming that he graduated with the degree of Computer Science at the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
“Let me clear the air about my educational background given news reports that claim I am an alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas or any other institution of higher learning. That is not true,” he said.
“I never finished my education because I became a father at 19. I needed to work to support my eldest child. My father impressed upon me that my responsibility as a father comes first,” Laurel added.
The DA Secretary believes that his dream of wearing a toga and receiving a diploma "was not meant to be".
“The sea became my university, experiences in life taught me the value of perseverance, my children gave me the courage and inspiration to get to where I am now, and the good fortune I have today, I enjoy through God’s grace,” he said.
In a news article, UST's official student publication The Varsitarian reported that the "UST's Office of the Registrar and and Laurel’s chief of staff confirmed that the agriculture secretary did not attend the university."
On Nov. 3, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Friday, Nov. 3, announced that he tapped his childhood friend, Laurel as his successor in the agriculture department.
Prior to his appointment, he served as the President of a private conglomerate, Frabelle Fishing Corp. that is focus on fishing operation, power generation, real estate development, meat and seafood processing, cold chain network, aquaculture, and ship building and repair.
