Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for his steadfast support for the city, particularly its health-centered programs, as he underscored the importance of cooperation between the local and national governments in turning these endeavors into realities.

Domagoso made the statement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the soon-to-be-built Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Allied Health Sciences Building at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center complex on Friday, Feb. 6.

The five story building will feature the following:

• 90 classrooms

• Auditorium and amphitheater

• 2 multi-purpose halls

• Split-level library

• Gymnasium

• Cafeteria

• 18 administrative offices and 3 faculty rooms

• Conference rooms

• 2 call rooms

• Clinic

• Chapel

• Rentable café space

• Computer laboratory

• Storage and utility rooms

• 2 car elevators

• 2 freight elevators

• Stairwells

• Comfort rooms

He said the project aligns with the national government’s push to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand the pipeline of medical professionals, particularly through hospital-based education tied to public service.

He also assured the President that the city government would finish the new facility on schedule, pointing to its record of completing major infrastructure projects even during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, including various housing developments, school buildings, the Manila Zoo rehabilitation, and the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila.

“At hindi rin po kayo nagkamali, Mr. President, na kami’y pagkatiwalaan sa Lungsod ng Maynila (You are not wrong in giving your trust in us, Mr. President). We guarantee you, in our own little way, with all the resources, might, and physical ability that we have, that we will finish this on time as scheduled," Domagoso said.

The mayor added that the new building would allow the university to scale up hospital-based training for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, stressing that PLM has a long track record of strong academic performance, citing consistently high passing rates and frequent placements among licensure exam top performers.

"PLM’s performance in licensure examinations dates back to the 1990s, with sustained results across generations of examinees. In more recent years, the university has repeatedly earned top-performing school citations, with its College of Medicine ranking among the country’s leaders and producing multiple physician topnotchers from 2010 to 2025. Its Nursing and Physical Therapy programs have likewise recorded near-perfect to perfect passing rates and numerous topnotchers in national exams," he explained.

He also credited the administration’s policies on zero billing and expanded PhilHealth coverage for reinforcing local governments’ capacity to deliver healthcare services, describing the approach as comprehensive and patient-centered.

"Ito'y patuloy na inyong pagsuporta sa pagpapalakas ng kakayanan ng lokal na pamahalaan na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mamamayan, lalo na pagdating sa serbisyong pangkalusugan (This is your continued support in strengthening the capacity of local governments to meet the needs of our people, especially when it comes to health services)," Domagoso noted.

“And just so you know, Mr. President, itong pinuhunan ninyo used to produce a cap of 300 students every year. Itong pinuhunan ninyo, you will produce, in your nation-building approach, 5,000 students. And it’s worth every penny of taxpayer’s money (And just so you know, Mr. President, your investment was used to produce a cap of 300 students every year. With this, you will produce 5,000 students through your nation-building approach. And it’s worth every penny of taxpayer’s money)," he explained.

The local chief executive said the city would continue investing in facilities, equipment, and education to improve access to quality public healthcare nationwide.