Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, vowed long-term support for the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and its students while unveiling plans to build a new College of Allied Health Sciences building, a move aimed at expanding the university’s capacity to train future doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.

Addressing the 57th Commencement Exercises of PLM, which gathered graduates from the College of Law, College of Medicine, Graduate School of Law, and other graduate programs, Domagoso emphasized that his administration will continue investing in education and public service programs under his “Make Manila Great Again” development agenda.

“I will stay for ten years. ‘Di ko na kayo iiwan (I will not leave you again),” Domagoso told graduates to thunderous applause.

“We will build and plan to develop the next ten years of our lives. May awa ang Diyos, loobin nawa ng tao sa lungsod panatilihin ako in the next ten years (with God’s mercy, may the people of the city allow me to stay in office for the next ten years).”

The mayor also announced plans to construct a new facility for the PLM College of Medicine and allied health sciences, describing it as a key part of the city’s continuing investment in higher education.

“Partida ’yan, wala pa tayong pera niyan (That’s just the beginning. We don’t have the money for it yet),” he said. “But like you, when you took the chance to enter PLM, you dreamed. And that is my dream to make PLM a beacon of excellence, where no student is left behind.”

Recalling his humble background as a product of public schools, Domagoso said his childhood experiences of poverty inspired the education and welfare programs he launched for PLM and Universidad de Manila (UDM) students.

“That is why when I became mayor in 2019, ultimo baon ng PLM at UDM, iniintindi ko (Even the students’ allowance at PLM and UDM, I make sure to take care of),” he said, referring to student assistance programs that ensure no scholar misses class because of a lack of fare or food.

Domagoso also recognized teachers and parents for their sacrifices, noting that their pride mirrors the city’s pride in its scholars.

“If you are proud of yourself, they are more proud of you. Today, you have achieved something. And that I hope that God will guide and bless every one of you in your dreams and aspirations,” he said.

The mayor cited the vision of former Manila mayors Arsenio Lacson and Antonio Villegas, founders of PLM, urging graduates to carry forward the same spirit of service and excellence in their chosen professions.

“Why are we here today? Because there were mayors, Mayor Lacson and Mayor Villegas of the City of Manila. Dahil sa kanilang dalawa, ngayon 2025 na (Because of them, now it's 2025), we continue to benefit from their vision, policies, and priorities,” he said.

“Don’t forget that, so that you graduates will continue to inspire our leaders to do better, to do something like this, as an institution. It became a beacon and a pillar when it started, producing topnotcher students, and that record continues to this day.”

Regarding the new health sciences facility, Domagoso said the planned building will feature modern classrooms, laboratories, and technical equipment to enhance training and research for students in medicine and allied health fields.

“As you can see, we’re going to build a new space for Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine. You will have an additional home, an additional place for our allied health sciences. We’re going to invest more for our students,” he added.

In closing, the mayor invoked PLM’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping Manila’s leaders:

“Remember, sinabi sa ating awit: ‘Maynila, Maynila, dalhin mo ang bandila’ (Remember, as our song says: ‘Manila, Manila, carry the flag')  Students, graduates, put it in your heart: You are a product of the City of Manila, and you should be proud of it. Dalhin ninyo ang bandila sa buong bansa. Mag-iingat kayo, at nawa gabayan kayo ng Panginoong Diyos sa susunod na aklat ng inyong buhay (Stay safe, and may God guide you in the next chapter of your life).”