New Health Sciences building eyed to expand capacity as Manila vows to sustain free education
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Demand for admission at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) has far outstripped its capacity, with only 3,000 students admitted for academic year 2026-2027 from a pool of more than 70,000 applicants.
PLM President Atty. Domingo Y. Reyes Jr. disclosed the figures Monday during the flag-raising ceremony at Manila City Hall, citing limited space and the university’s inability to accommodate a larger student population.
Of the more than 70,000 applicants, only about 43,000 proceeded to take the entrance examination, Reyes said. The university ultimately accepted 3,000.
The demand remains high for the coming school year. With online applications set to close on September 30, some 65,000 students have already applied, according to Reyes.
He acknowledged that the university cannot accommodate everyone seeking admission.
“Pasensya na po, hindi natin mapagbibigyan lahat ng gustong mag-aral sa PLM,” Reyes said.
The university expects its capacity to improve once the planned Health Sciences Building is completed.
Reyes said the facility could provide additional space for enrollment and give PLM room to accept more students in future admission cycles.
“Sana po ay magkaroon pa tayo ng pagkakataon, lalo na po kung maitatayo na ang ating bagong Health Sciences Building na makakadagdag sa dami ng enrollment,” he said.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said construction of the PLM College of Health Allied Sciences is moving forward, with 132 of 340 piles already completed.
“Rest assured, out of 340 piles, we have done 132 already. Nadurog na, na-clear na, na-pile drive na,” Domagoso said.
The mayor said the project is part of the city’s effort to maximize PLM’s existing grounds and create additional room for students.
He also raised the possibility of using innovation to expand capacity without having to look beyond the university’s present property.
“But what more can we do to give opportunities if we create space within the same space, just by innovation?” Domagoso said.
Reyes also credited the Manila government for its continuing financial support, saying PLM has received ₱125 million in total subsidies.
Despite the university’s capacity constraints, Domagoso said the city would continue supporting free education at PLM, acknowledging the substantial cost of maintaining such a program.
“Ang mahal magpaaral, cost per student. Just so you know, sa mga nag-aaral, it is very expensive for the government to have it free,” he said.
Domagoso said Manila would continue the tradition of free education associated with former mayors Arsenio Lacson and Antonio Villegas.
“But, like the vision of Lacson and Villegas, today as the torchbearer of that vision, we will continue to do so,” he said.
He also praised PLM’s administration, faculty and students, saying the city’s spending on the university represents an investment worth sustaining.
“We are very proud of you, sa pamunuan, sa bumubuo ng faculty, at sa students. Worth every penny. Sulit na sulit ang paggasta ng buwis ng mamamayan ng Lungsod ng Maynila,” Domagoso said.
ia/xf
