Southern Leyte (29 March) --- In time with the 23rd commencement exercises, the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – San Juan Campus will confer 160 graduating students of their degrees likewise, Congressman Roger G. Mercado of the Lone District of Southern Leyte will be conferred Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, SLSU President Dr. Gloria M. Reyes disclosed recently.

Congressman Mercado's exemplary environmental contribution in Southern Leyte particularly the province-wide tree propagation program that has planted nearly one million trees in the province since 2006, Dr. Reyes said.

Dr. Reyes further noted that Congressman Mercado has sponsored a bill in congress to put the province under a total log ban program, she added.

She further disclosed that his concern for the environment also earned commendation from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and was even invited to join its Seven Billion Trees Worldwide program to combat global warming.

He has also established wildlife and bird sanctuaries in the province to protect the birds and other wildlife that sow seeds which reforest 20 percent of its rain forest.

Cong. Mercado is also instrumental to the development of the university with his legal and financial support in form of infrastructure facilities and even representations in Congress, as follows: the construction of Athena Girl's dormitory, Venus Girl's Dormitory, both in SLSU – Tomas Oppus Campus, financial assistance during the SLSU SCUAA hosting in 2008, construction/Improvement of University Road and Perimeter Fence and Scholarship program for SLSU 5 campuses (2008) and Vermi Culture and Goat Raising projects last year, Dr. Reyes added.