Pres. Sonny delivers report on status, achievements in SOPA 2026

University President Domingo “Sonny” Y. Reyes Jr. delivered a report on the status of the university through the State of the President Address (SOPA) at the Justo Albert Auditorium (JAA) last May 6. 

Pres. Sonny started his speech by reminiscing on the day he accepted the post of president at the night of October 2023, where he started by building his management team as he was immediately faced with numerous challenges regarding the budget of the university.

Halfway into his term, he highlighted six organizational thrusts that served as the blueprint for a student-centered university, which include academic excellence, technology, internationalization and linkages, performance metrics, organizational culture, and resource generation.

Continuing the legacy of academic excellence

PLM had steadily maintained its high performance in licensure exams throughout the years. In 2024, Pres. Sonny reported an increase in both the number of topnotchers and overall board exam performance, which was sustained in the succeeding years. At the same time, incentives were increased to further motivate the students. 

Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of continually reviewing the curriculum. “Hindi puwedeng magagaling lang ang mga bata, dapat kasamang magaling ang mga nagtuturo at ang mga sistema, lalong lalo na ang kuntento ng mga subjects.” 

Furthermore, research has been strengthened throughout the years by increasing the number of publications, as PLM started to host events such as the Manila International Research Conference (MIRC), opening its doors to those beyond the university.

PLM goes global after 60 years

For the first time, PLM has reached global rankings by placing 5th under Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved (C6) and Rank 97 in University-Based Entrepreneurial Projects (C7) at the World University Ranking for Innovation (WURI). 

PLM has also entered into agreements with several international Asian universities, such as Taiwan, Indonesia, and Japan, creating more opportunities for its students. For the interest of expanding horizons, the president expressed his hope of broadening this initiative by reaching the US and Europe. 

Limited slots due to limited facilities

For every application period, PLM only accepts a little over 3,000 students out of 45,000 annual applicants due to the limited campus capacity of 10,000. Due to the limited facilities, general education subjects are still being taught through blended modes of learning, as per the president. 

He also addressed rumors regarding the admissions process. “Gusto ko lang i-disabuse ang mind kasi napaka-in ninyo sa social media na may ‘palakasan’ daw sa pamantasan. Kailangan daw may backer… Ako na po ang magsasabi sa inyo na walang gan’yan.”

“One Barangay PLM”

One of the president’s priorities was to transform the organizational culture within PLM after observing what he described as a “zombie-like” environment, where people passed by one another with little interaction or regard. Thus, he sought to establish a “culture of greetings” as a sign of respect and politeness, which are values that he hopes students would carry beyond their years in the university.

He further encouraged good practices among students, such as cleaning up after eating and taking care of the facilities.

While PLM has faced numerous financial challenges, Pres. Sonny expressed his appreciation to the City Government of Manila, the university’s partners, and alumni for their continued support. In their collective efforts, PLM has received subsidies for projects that improved its technology in offices, renovated buildings, secured new work vehicles, and an allied health sciences building that is expected to open in 2028.

“Ang estado po ng pamantasan ay malakas, ‘di dahil sa marami tayong bagay na mayroon kundi dahil sa kawalan at sa mga balakid na binibigyan natin ng tuon,” he said.