Graduating students on Friday welcomed Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso’s pledge to continue investing in housing, education, healthcare, and jobs, but called for clear timelines and concrete results as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Speaking after the 59th Commencement Exercises of the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology at the Philippine International Convention Center, several members of the Class of 2026 said the mayor’s message addressed their concerns—but needs follow-through.

“Maganda pong marinig na may plano, pero sana may malinaw na timeline kung kailan mararamdaman (It’s good to hear there’s a plan, but we hope there’s a clear timeline on when people will actually feel it),” one graduate said, citing job opportunities as a top concern.

Domagoso, in his speech, assured graduates that the city would stay focused on what he described as “Minimum Basic Needs,” including housing, education, healthcare, and employment.

“Sabay-sabay tayong lalaban tungo sa maayos na kinabukasan (We will all strive together toward a better future),” he said, addressing graduates and their families.

He also pledged to manage city resources responsibly, saying he would strive daily to serve as an effective steward of public funds.

But for some students, the challenge lies beyond commitments.

“Hindi lang dapat pangako. Sana mas mapabilis ang trabaho at mas maging accessible ang healthcare at housing (It shouldn’t just be a promise. Work should be sped up, and healthcare and housing should be made more accessible),” another graduate said.

Others pointed to the need for stronger support systems as fresh graduates transition into the job market, including skills matching and employment placement.

Domagoso said the city government would “move in parallel” with graduates as they build their futures, but attendees said coordination between programs and actual opportunities will be key.

“As graduates, ready na kami (we are ready),” one student said. “Sana ready rin ang lungsod para tulungan kami (Hopefully, the city is also ready to support us).”

The ceremony gathered hundreds of graduates and their families, marking a milestone for students now facing a more uncertain job landscape while looking to local government for support.