PLM holds the distinction of being the first in several waysâ '' the first institution of higher learning in the country and perhaps in Asia to offer tuition-free tertiary education ; the first university funded solely by a city government ; and the first institution of higher learning in the country to have its official name in Filipino . PLM holds the distinction of being the first tertiary-level institution in the country to offer tuition-free education ; the first university funded solely by a city government ; and , the first institution of higher learning in the country to have its official name in Filipino .