Moving Forward at 61: PLM kicks off Founding Week Celebration

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) formally commenced its week-long Foundation Celebration through a series of events reflecting the theme “Moving Forward at 61: We're All In This Together” last June 15.

The celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony held at the PLM Field, marking the start of the university's 61st founding anniversary. Shortly after, each college formed a vibrant and colorful tapestry as they marched through the streets of Intramuros with their own Binibini and Ginoong Pamantasan leading the parade. 

With each college representing a Filipino festival, its students walked under their respective College Arches that showcase their creativity, pride, and passion. The College of Accountancy (CA) was named Overall Champion of the College Parade Competition, while the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) took home the award for Best Theme Interpretation.

Right after, representatives from each college participated in the Palarong FunPamantasan that featured traditional Filipino games. Cheers and laughter echoed throughout the University Activity Center (UAC) as the teams vied for the championship title, displaying teamwork and camaraderie. 

When the final scores were tallied, the College of Education (CED) emerged as the overall champion after securing first place finishes in two out of the five games and placing second in the other three. The College of Public Administration (CPA) was hailed as the 1st runner-up, consistently battling with CED for each game’s top spot ‘til the end. The College of Business Administration (CBA) and CTHM earned the 2nd and 3rd runner up places, respectively.

“Patuloy nating pagyamanin at pagyabungin ang tradisyon at kulturang ating kinagisnan, nang sa gayon, patuloy itong mananatili [na] parte ng ating buhay,” said JL Hife, one of the event coordinators during the closing program after congratulating all participants and thanking them for their participation. 

In the afternoon, college exhibits were formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Vice President for Administration (VPA) Dr. Ronaldo A. Tan.

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The first day of the celebratory week concluded with students and faculty members gathering at the PLM Facade for the annual torch lighting ceremony. University President Atty. Domingo “Sonny” Y. Reyes and the Vice President for Research, Academic & Extension Services Dr. Dan Michael A. Cortez delivered their messages to the PLM community, emphasizing their appreciation for each of its members who continue to sustain the university’s flame of excellence and service. 

Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Jahna Par also spoke in front of the Flame of Excellence, highlighting that the torch lighting is more than a ceremony as it signifies the light within every student that continues to fight and persevere for their dreams in the Pamantasan. She further stressed that this light is meant to embrace everyone, envisioning a community where no one is left behind.  

“Kaya ngayong sisindihan natin ang sulo, dala natin ang pangako: na ang apoy na ito ay hindi magliliyab para sa iilan, kundi para sa lahat. Na ang liwanag nito ay magpapaalala sa atin na sa kabila ng pagkakaiba-iba, kaya nating magkaisa,” Par underscored.

The PLM community counted down as the Flame of Excellence was lit anew, signifying another year for the university. A band of PLM students under the Bachelor of Music in Music Performance (BMMP) program called the Java of Spurs, serenaded Haribons with iconic Filipino songs such as Lifetime by Ben&Ben and Magbalik by Callalily, along with a rendition of What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction. Among other covers, the band also performed an original composition entitled, “Hindi Na Nga Tayo.”

The celebration continued throughout the week with activities such as the Binibini at Ginoong Pamantasan, a sportsfest for faculty members and alumni, and an anniversary concert held on June 19, PLM’s founding day, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.