Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has ordered that all graduation ceremonies in public elementary and secondary schools be held strictly within their respective campuses as the city braces for a possible oil-driven price surge.
During his regular management committee meeting, the Mayor directed Schools Division Office (SDO) of Manila Superintendent Dr. Sheryll Gayola to ensure that graduation rites are conducted inside school grounds to prevent additional financial burden on parents, especially if off-site venues would require extra expenses.
The Mayor said the move is part of Manila’s precautionary response to a looming global oil shock following escalating tensions in the Middle East and the reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for around 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.
“Twenty percent of our oil all over the world—and that includes the Philippines—has a problem with the source of supply,” the Mayor said, warning that disruptions could push up prices of fuel, transport fares and basic commodities.
“Kaya tataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin, gastusin, pamasahe, and so on and so forth, most likely,” he warned.
Domagoso urged public schools to keep graduation activities “as modest and as frugal as we can,” noting that even small increases in prices could significantly affect household budgets.
The directive is anchored on Executive Order No. 7, Series of 2026, which mandates a 50 percent reduction in fuel consumption across all city government departments, bureaus and offices.
Under the order, non-essential travel is prohibited, “lakbay-aral” activities are suspended, and offices are required to implement electricity-saving measures, including reduced lighting and online meetings where feasible.
Domagoso said the city must align with national efforts to conserve resources, emphasizing that while graduation is an important milestone for students, prudence and practicality must prevail in times of global uncertainty.
“I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but just for purposes of aligning ourselves with the national direction, hangga’t maaari, mabawasan natin ‘yung mga unnecessary costs,” he said.
