GMA Network chairman Felipe L. Gozon receives Honoris Causa from Wesleyan University

GMA Network chairperson and CEO Felipe L. Gozon has been honored with the degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by the Wesleyan University Philippines.

During the academic convocation at the Central United Methodist Church in Manila on Friday, Gozon accepted his diploma and medallion, presented by university president Judge Benjamin D. Turgano.

Among the attendees were Gozon's family and GMA Network executives.

"I am deeply humbled by the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, you have conferred on me," Gozon said during his speech. "This recognition speaks of the many things that I stand for, the things that give my life meaning, and the values I live by. For all of that, I am most grateful, especially to our Lord."

"Beginning today, I can proudly say that I am not only a Kapuso, but I am also a Wesleyan," he added.

This marks the first time that an individual from the private sector is being awarded such an honor.

Among the personalities who had previously been granted the Honoris Causa by Wesleyan are former president Fidel V. Ramos, Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno and Bishop Emerito P. Nacpil.

Gozon: ‘I am deeply humbled by the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, you have conferred on me’ pic.twitter.com/mfqBRAOLnf

— Jessica Bartolome (@jessbrtlm) March 18, 2022

"I can only hope I could measure up to them to some degree," Gozon said.

In an interview with GMA News, Judge Turgano underscored three of Gozon’s qualities that earned him the Honoris Causa.

“One, the centrality of Christ in his life, number two is his legal scholarship, and number three, his business entrepreneurship, which was responsible in the phenomenal rise of GMA Network to become the number one industry leader in broadcasting,” he said.

“Those things are a mixture of hard work, vision and the willingness to do what is right and open to innovation and creativity,” he added.

Gozon said that this honor only further inspires him.

“Nakita ko from the speeches before na hindi lang pala tayo ‘yung naniniwala sa atin, kung hindi pati ang nanonood din,” he said.

“That inspires us to continue because we must be doing something right,” he added. – RC, GMA News