Ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ay naggawad ng honorary Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa kay Senador Mark A. Villar noong Biyernes, Enero 27, para sa kaniyang mahalagang kontribusyon sa bansa at sa komunidad ng UP.
“Today, I stand before you all, truly humbled and privileged as I accept this great honor bestowed upon me. One of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon someone, from one of the most prestigious institutions in the World. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the University of the Philippines," sabi ni Villar sa kaniyang talumpati sa pagtanggap.
Ang honorary degree ay iginagawad sa mga indibidwal para sa mga natatanging tagumpay sa kanilang mga larangan at huwarang paglilingkod sa kanilang kapwa.
“I would like to dedicate this award to all those who have guided, helped, and sometimes carried me in this journey. It’s an honor to serve as a vessel for the dreams of so many Filipinos who dream for a better tomorrow and yearn for a country where we can all achieve the high quality of life that all Filipinos deserve," dagdag ni Villar.
Kinilala ng UP ang kaniyang namumukod-tanging mga nagawa bilang Kalihim ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) kung saan pinamunuan niya ang Golden Age of Infrastructure. Nakatulong din si Senador Villar sa pagtatayo at rehabilitasyon ng maraming pasilidad sa iba't ibang campus ng UP.
“I realized that this award is not just for me, it is for all of those who have guided and supported me throughout my life and to all those who worked tirelessly to accomplish the goals of the Build Build Build Program," sabi ni Senador Villar.
Ang seremonya ay dinaluhan ng mga miyembro ng UP Board of Regents, mga opisyal ng UP College of Law at UP System, mga opisyal ng DPWH at pamilya ni Senador Mark Villar — sina dating Senate President Manny Villar, Senador Cynthia Villar, Congresswoman Camille Villar, Paolo Villar, ang kanyang asawang si Atty. Emmeline Aglipay Villar at anak na si Emma Therese Villar.