MULTI-awarded broadcast journalist Boy Abunda has announced that he has successfully defended his dissertation and he has now earned a doctorate degree from the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) in Manila, the highest level of academic degree.
“Yes! I successfully defended my dissertation. July 2 or 3 ang graduation. Doktor na po ako,” said Abunda in his late-night show “Tonight with Boy Abunda” over ABS-CBN.
Abunda, 55, thanked his adviser and the members of the dissertation panel in the 97-year-old institution.
“Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa Philippine Women’s University. Salamat sa pagkakataon at marami pong salamat sa aking dissertation panel Dr. Lito Manalili, my compassionate adviser; Dr. Lourdes Catral, Dr. Mon Sarmiento and to the president of PWU Dr. Kiko Benitez,” said Abunda.
“Ang aking dissertation was perhaps the most daunting, the most difficult na pinagdaanan ko sa aking buhay but it was all worth it,” he said.
Abunda also thanked those who texted to congratulate him for his latest achievement.
“Maging si Kris Aquino na nasa ibang bansa ay nag-text at sinabi n’yang nag-light siya ng candles para sa success ng aking dissertation,” he said.
Abunda has stressed that it is never too late to go back to school regardless of age.
“Nais kong sabihin na kung anong age ka man and you decide to go to school or go back to the academe, wala pong pwedeng huminto sa inyo. That happened to me. I started in 2005, got my masters and I just recently got my PhD or doctorate degree. Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tumulong,” he added.
Abunda originally attended the Ateneo de Manila University but he did not finish when his father passed away. He later pursued odd jobs to support himself.
Despite success in showbiz, Abunda did not forget school. In 2009, Abunda graduated at PWU with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and in 2011, Masters of Arts in Communication Arts at the same university.