Opening Doors to Higher Education: Universidad De Manila Screens 13,860 Applicants Through UDM-CAT 2025
In its continuing commitment to SDG 1 – No Poverty, Universidad De Manila (UDM) conducted the UDM College Admission Test (UDM-CAT) from January 14 to February 14, 2025 at the UDM Main Campus, serving as a large-scale access pathway for financially vulnerable youth in the City of Manila.
A total of 13,860 appointment slots were processed, of which 10,255 applicants were formally evaluated. Following stringent validation procedures, 6,500 qualified applicants were issued official test permits—each one representing a young Filipino gaining a potential foothold toward upward social mobility.
The month-long operation was administered by a 50-member University Admissions Committee, assisted by faculty groups such as CSF and FGJS, alongside dedicated student and staff volunteers. Their task was not merely administrative. It was a systematic gatekeeping of public education privilege, ensuring that Manila residents—particularly those from underserved sectors—are prioritized.
To qualify for testing, applicants were required to establish proof of residency and civic inclusion, presenting:
- Manila Barangay Certificate
- Parent’s or Applicant’s COMELEC-issued Voter’s ID or Certification
- Certified Second Quarter Grades, authenticated by their school Principal or Adviser
This framework ensures that UDM’s free tertiary education remains exclusive to legitimate constituents of Manila, reinforcing local government investment returns through human capital development.
Despite the overwhelming turnout, the university implemented an organized queuing and appointment system to manage the daily influx, guaranteeing fairness, safety, and accessibility across socioeconomic backgrounds. For thousands of hopeful students, stepping into the UDM campus was more than just an application—it was a tangible step away from intergenerational poverty.
Through initiatives like UDM-CAT, Universidad De Manila demonstrates that public education, when properly guarded and democratically structured, becomes one of the most powerful anti-poverty policies a city can offer.
