By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — In a move aimed at strengthening higher education and sustaining academic excellence in the capital, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Tuesday turned over a P62.5-million subsidy check to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), bringing the total city funding released to the university to P301.25 million during the first year of his second term.
The subsidy, which covers PLM’s second-quarter allocation for 2026, was formally received by PLM President Atty. Domingo “Sonny” Reyes Jr. during a turnover ceremony held at Manila City Hall.
The latest release underscores the city government’s commitment to restoring regular and adequate financial support for the university, which previously raised concerns over financial difficulties brought about by delayed and insufficient subsidy releases under the past administration.
Domagoso noted that PLM’s annual subsidy stood at P250 million before his first term as mayor. During his administration, the funding was increased to P360 million, but was later reduced to P210 million under the succeeding city government.
The mayor emphasized that investing in PLM remains a priority, citing the institution’s reputation as one of the country’s leading local universities and a major producer of professionals in the medical and allied health sectors.
Earlier this year, the city government broke ground for the construction of the PLM College of Allied Health Sciences Building within the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center complex. The project is backed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and is expected to significantly expand the university’s healthcare education programs.
According to Domagoso, the new facility will enable PLM to enhance hospital-based training for doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals, while increasing its annual student capacity from 300 to as many as 5,000.
PLM has consistently posted strong performances in licensure examinations, particularly through its College of Medicine, which ranks among the country’s top-performing medical schools. Its Nursing and Physical Therapy programs have likewise recorded near-perfect to perfect passing rates and produced numerous topnotchers in national board examinations.
City officials said the sustained subsidy releases and ongoing infrastructure investments form part of the administration’s broader effort to strengthen public education and expand opportunities for Manila’s youth.
ia/xf
