Soaring Beyond 60: PLM kicks off Foundation Week Celebration

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) formally opened its 60th Foundation Week celebration with the theme “Soaring Beyond 60: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” June 16.

The program began at the PLM Open Field with a flag-raising ceremony and the ceremonial turnover of commemorative items, marking the official start of the week-long celebration. Shortly, the grand parade commenced at the Intramuros grounds, where participating colleges marched with retrofuturism-inspired designs featuring chrome elements and bold colors.

The festive atmosphere continued at the Tanghalang Bayan with the presentation of “Through the Decades: A Fashion Runway Reimagined,” where students from various colleges showcased their chants and banner displays in line with the university’s 60-year journey.

Right after, a thanksgiving mass was held at the PLM Chapel. This provided the community a moment to reflect on the university’s legacy and express gratitude for its continued growth in its 60th year.

In the afternoon, the college exhibits were formally opened through a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the GEE Lobby, led by Vice President for Administration Dr. Ronaldo A. Tan.

“I would like to congratulate everyone for preparing for this event. Nakita ko, hindi niyo lang siya pinag-isipan, pinagpaguran niyo rin siya,” Dr. Tan said.

The exhibits highlighted each college’s programs and institutional identity. These were evaluated by a panel of judges composed of Information Technology Officer II and Head of the Technology Infrastructure Section at the Information and Communications Technology Office Mr. Joel R. Aldea; Executive Assistant IV at the Officer of the Vice President for Research, Academic and Extension Services Mr. Roberto Ricardo N. Sombillo; and Guidance Services Specialist Director at the Officer of Guidance and Testing Services Ms. Margielou B. Peralta.

The colleges that participated in the exhibit were the College of Business Administration, College of Accountancy, College of Science, College of Education, College of Architecture and Sustainable Built Environments, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, College of Information Systems and Technology Management, College of Physical Therapy, College of Nursing, College of Law, College of Medicine, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, College of Public Administration, and College of Engineering.

To conclude the first day, the community gathered at the PLM Façade for the torch lighting ceremony. University President Atty. Domingo “Sonny” Reyes and College of Education Dean Dr. Jimmy Romero delivered their messages to officially open the celebration.

In an interview, President Reyes emphasized the significance of unity and shared growth within the PLM community.

“Just continue to build our community, the community of learners, joining together toward the same direction so that all of us can progress independently as one community, para maging successful lahat,” Pres. Reyes said.

Incoming Supreme Student Council President Madie Retiro closed the program by greeting the Pamantasan on its anniversary.

“Binabati ko ang Pamantasan ng happy, happy anniversary. Sa pagdaloy ng mga taon, dala natin ang parehong apoy, mas maliwanag, mas mainit. Mula sa nakaraan patungo sa kasalukuyan, at ngayon ay sama-sama nating tinatanaw nang may tapang, talino, at mas naglalagablab na apoy sa atin,” Retiro said.

The celebration continued throughout the week with activities including fun runs, retro games, pageantry, Battle of the Bands, and a music festival.