MANILA, Philippines – “Fighter of the Decade” and Sarangani Congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao graduated from his 10-day executive coaching course on Friday and is now ready to take on his legislative duties.

In his final day at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in Ortigas, Pasig City, the pound-for-pound king and his staff received their certificates for finishing the Development Legislation and Governance course.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng miyembro ng DAP na talagang nagturo sa amin... Ngayon may kaalaman na ako kung paano maging legislator at kung paano maging magaling na pulitiko,” a beaming Pacquiao told reporters.

The subjects he took up in the course covered parliamentary procedures, the legislative cycle, and better understanding of the national budget process and local development.

Pacquiao said that with his new knowledge, he will not let his constituents in Sarangani province down.

“Alam kong hindi sila mabibigo sa paghalal sa akin. Kalangan nating ipakita ang tutoong serbisyo… ‘pag wala akong nagawa wala akong maipapakitang mukha sa aking probinsya,” said the boxing superstar.

DAP Dean Dr. Gloria Mercado said they were privileged to have Pacquiao as a student.

She said Pacquiao showed resiliency and exceptional focus in his studies, dispelling earlier notions that the boxer might have a hard time catching up with the flow of discussions.

“I must admit noong nagsimula sabi ko, 'siguro mahihirapan kami'. But I think it was his discipline in the ring that he carried to the class room… The moment the teacher stands in front nakasunod na agad siya sa lahat ng proseso... I think he's a very good student,” said Mercado.

She said they are now excited to see how Pacquiao will apply what he learned.

“I am more excited to look forward to his days in Congress and how he will translate the learning to actual programs in Sarangani,” said the DAP dean.

‘Mayweather is far from my mind’

Meanwhile, Pacquiao said his anticipated match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is still far from his mind.

He said he will concentrate on his congressional work first while Top Rank Bob Arum continues to negotiate with Mayweather's camp.

“Wala pa sa isip ko ‘yan dahil wala pa namang sinabi sa akin si Bob Arum. Sa ngayon, ang focus ko, kung anong magagawa ko ngayong na-elect na ako,” said Pacquiao.

Among the projects Pacquiao earlier said he will try to accomplish in his first 100 days as congressman are livelihood programs for his constituents, improvement of education in his province, construction of a district hospital in Sarangani and distribution of health cards for indigents.