Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 13) – Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued a clarification on his educational background on Monday following news reports that he has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Santo Tomas.
Laurel replaced President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Nov. 3 as secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
“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,” said Laurel in a statement.
Laurel said he quit school to raise his eldest child.
“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,” he added.
READ: Marcos appoints fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as new Agriculture chief
He said family obligations prevented him from completing his education. Instead, he helped build his family’s company, Frabelle.
Frabelle Fishing Corporation is a deep-sea fishing company supplying fresh, frozen, and processed seafood products to domestic and international markets. It is also involved in power generation and real estate development.
He added that he also dreamt of wearing a toga and receiving a diploma.
“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,” the fishing tycoon said.
