1,271 PLM students graduate on Day 1 of its 58th Commencement Exercises

A total of 1,271 students graduated from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) on the first day of its 58th Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Aug. 27.

The morning session featured graduates from PLM’s College of Law, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Physical Therapy, and graduate school programs, while the afternoon session included graduates from the College of Accountancy, College of Business Administration, College of Public Administration, and College of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

University President Atty. Domingo “Sonny” Y. Reyes, Jr. reminded the Class of 2026 that graduation marks the beginning of a broader journey beyond the university.

“Ang tagumpay na inyong makakakamtan sa mga sandaling ito ay hindi pagtatapos ng inyong pagkatuto bilang mga isko o iska ng ating pinagpipitagang pamantasan, sa halip, ito ay simula ng isang mas malawak at makabuluhang paglalakbay,” Reyes said.

He also urged graduates to look beyond questions of employment and success as they enter the next chapter of their lives.

University Registrar Dr. Benedicto L. Avila presented the candidates for graduation, after which Reyes awarded their degrees.

The morning session included 115 Doctor of Medicine graduates from the College of Medicine, 97 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates from the College of Nursing, 39 Juris Doctor graduates from the College of Law, and 37 Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy graduates, alongside graduates from various master’s and doctoral programs.

In his student response, Chris John M. Dimailig of the College of Medicine shared how financial difficulties once made his dream of becoming a doctor seem impossible.

“Kaya ‘nong sinabi ko sa nanay ko na ‘Ma, gusto kong maging doktor,’ ang nasabi niya lamang ay ‘Nak, pa’no ka magdo-doktor, e wala naman tayong pera,’” Dimailig said.

“That’s why today I am standing here before you. A dream I once thought was impossible is finally becoming a reality. And that is the power of a dream,” he added.

He also shared the story of his batchmate Girai, who worked for seven years before returning to complete her studies.

“Meron ding kinailangang ipagpaliban ang kanilang pangarap. … And today, she’s finally here with us as Dr. Girai,” he said.

Meanwhile, the afternoon session included 112 Accountancy graduates, 453 Business graduates, 60 Public Administration graduates, and 108 Tourism and Hospitality Management graduates.

Commencement speaker Atty. Erwin Erfe, MD addressed the afternoon graduates, while Shayne N. Sinugbuhan of the College of Public Administration (CPA) delivered the student response.

“Let the karunungan we gained here not end with us, but live on through the kaunlaran we create and the kadakilaan we strive to achieve,” Sinugbuhan said.

The ceremonies concluded with the Pledge of Loyalty led by PLM Alumni Association President Bishop Reuben M. Abante, followed by the PLM Hymn and recessional.

This year’s commencement rites was themed “Mga Makabagong Pantas Taglay ang Karunungan Tungo sa Kadakilaan at Kaunlaran.”