Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso has ordered all graduation ceremonies in public elementary and secondary schools to be held strictly within school campuses, as the city braces for a possible oil-driven price surge.

During a regular management committee meeting, Mayor Domagoso directed the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Manila Superintendent Dr. Sheryll Gayola to ensure that graduation rites are conducted on school grounds to prevent additional financial burdens on parents.

Off-site venues, he noted, could require extra expenses that many households might struggle to cover.

The move comes amid concerns over a looming global oil shock, following escalating tensions in the Middle East and a reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for about 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.

“Kaya tataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin, gastusin, pamasahe, and so on and so forth, most likely.”

Domagoso urged public schools to keep graduation activities “as modest and frugal as we can,” emphasizing 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, school field trips are suspended, and offices are required to implement electricity-saving measures, including reduced lighting and online meetings where feasible.

“While graduation is an important milestone for our students, prudence and practicality must prevail in times of global uncertainty,” Domagoso said. “Hangga’t maaari, mabawasan natin 'yung mga unnecessary costs.”