His Eminence Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S David, DD

Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa
Commencement Speaker, Class of 2026

More than forty years after his priestly ordination, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S David still keeps a crumpled five-peso bill inside an old envelope.

The modest gift came from a poor woman who attended his ordination in 1983. Seeing the offering, his mother, Bienvenida Siongco David, told him, “Keep that gift as a remembrance of your priesthood.” He did. More than four decades later, it remains one of his most treasured possessions - a reminder of the people he is called to serve.

For Cardinal Ambo, as he is fondly known, leadership has never been about titles or prestige. It has always been about people. Asked what shaped his life and vocation, he gently reframed the question: “Not moments, but persons.”

He speaks of his father, Pedro Sahagun David, who taught him integrity, humility, and hard work, and of Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, whom he considers a spiritual father and mentor. Through them, he learned that leadership is measured not by recognition but by one’s capacity to serve.

Perhaps this explains why, despite becoming one of the most respected church leaders in the Philippines, he says: “I hate titles. I don’t want them ever to define my personality or who I am.” Instead, he prefers to be called Cardinal Ambo. The nickname itself carries a deeper meaning ashe explains that “Ambo in Latin actually refers to the stand from which the Word of God is proclaimed. I think of myself as just a mouthpiece.”

Throughout his ministry, Cardinal Ambo has distinguished himself as a biblical scholar, educator, and church leader. After earning his doctorate in Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa Commencement Speaker, Class of 2026

Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, he devoted decades to teaching Sacred Scripture and priestly formation. He has served as Bishop of Kalookan, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, and representative of the Philippine Church in the Synod on Synodality convened by Pope Francis. In 2024, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, recognizing his contributions to the life and mission of the Church.

Yet beneath these accomplishments lies a spirituality rooted in Kenosis or self-emptying. This spirit of Kenosis has shaped his commitment to truth, justice, human dignity, and compassion. Asked what deepened his dedication to these values, Cardinal Ambo answered simply: “Basically, the experience of listening to people telling their stories.”

Listening to workers, migrants, families, and communities taught him that authentic leadership begins with compassion. As he puts it, “Nothing else should motivate us to speak truth to power and to fight for justice and human dignity except compassion.”

His passion for formation extends into education believing that it is not enough for educational institutions to be informative. He adds that they should be “transformative and formative, helping shape compassionate and socially responsible human beings.”

For the graduates of Xavier Ateneo’s Class of 2026, Cardinal Ambo offers a message of hope: “Dream of a better world. A more beautiful world.” Drawing from the African concept of Ubuntu, he reminds them: “I am, because we are.” 

Ultimately, what gives him hope is God’s grace at work in imperfect people. “We are flawed, but we are graced. And we are chosen.”

From a young priest who treasured a poor woman’s five-peso offering to a Cardinal who continues to listen to the stories of ordinary people, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S David has shown that authentic leadership is not about elevating oneself but about pouring oneself out for others.

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In sincere recognition of his distinguished contributions to theological scholarship, pastoral leadership, moral and social formation, and his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, human dignity, and compassion, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is pleased and deeply honored to confer upon His Eminence Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S David, DD, the degree of Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa, and to welcome him as the Commencement Speaker of the 87th Commencement Exercises.