NEW YORK – The Fordham University conferred President Benigno Aquino III an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, in a ceremony held at its Bronx, New York campus early Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

The honorary degree came 25 years after his mother, former president Corazon Aquino, received the same prestigious honor at the Keating Hall in Fordham University back in September 1986.

As part of the Fordham tradition, President Aquino's name is carved on the historic steps of the Terrace of the Presidents, right beside his mother, president Cory Aquino's carved name.

Six other names of Filipino presidents are carved on these steps, including former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Filipino and Filipino American students at the Fordham University, Filipino community members, civil society organizations, Fordham University faculty and staff witnessed the conferment.

After the ceremony, Aquino attended a series of business meetings with high level business executives and met with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce of New York.

President Aquino arrived in New York at 5:15 a.m. on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) to take part in the official launch of the open government partnership upon the invitation of US President Barack Obama.