The local government of Manila has announced a new initiative to provide P2,000 cash gifts to graduates of the Universidad de Manila (UdM) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) from the years 2023 and 2024.

Over 1,800 UdM graduates from the academic year 2023-2024 are set to receive their cash gifts, totaling over P3.6 million. Similarly, more than 3,772 PLM graduates will receive their P2,000 cash gifts through LandBank, amounting to over P7.5 million.

Last Wednesday, eligible UdM and PLM students also received their monthly P1,000 allowance from the city.

This comes as Mayor Honey Lacuna signed City Ordinance 9068 in August to authorize the city government to allocate funds for the “Taas-Noo Manileño Graduation Gift.” The payout on 13 December follows the finalization of financial and accounting details.

Currently, the construction of the UdM campus in Vitas, Tondo, is underway. This campus, slated for completion by 2026, will cater to UDM students from all districts of Manila.

Lacuna also congratulated the UdM and PLM graduates who passed their respective state licensure exams and achieved topnotcher positions.

PLM’s impressive performance in the Physical Therapy Licensure Examination, with a 99.44 percent passing rate and four topnotchers, was particularly highlighted. Additionally, PLM’s College of Medicine achieved a 95.16 percent passing rate in the Physician Licensure Examination, ranking among the top four performing schools.