Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Friday, August 7 urged graduates of Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology to prepare for the realities of life beyond school, warning that challenges and failures await after they leave the classroom.

Speaking at the school’s 59th Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center, Domagoso told the Class of 2026 that earning a diploma is only the beginning of a more difficult journey.

“Sa tunay na kalagayan ng lipunan, marami pa kayong pagsubok na dadaanan. Dadaan pa kayo sa maraming pagsubok and failure (In the real state of society, you will go through many trials. You will face many tests and failures),” he said.

The Manila mayor stressed that setbacks are inevitable and should not be feared, noting that failure can help build resilience and deepen understanding.

“Failure sometimes makes you strong emotionally and gives you more understanding and experience,” he said.

Domagoso also reminded the graduates that their future will depend largely on their own decisions, saying no one else can define their path.

“Nobody will write your story, not your parents, not your friends, not your teachers, deans, and me. It is only up to you,” he said.

Drawing from his own experience, Domagoso recounted growing up in poverty and taking on various jobs before entering public service, underscoring that life does not always follow one’s original plans.

“Anong pangarap ko? Maging kapitan ng barko. Anong binigay sa akin ng Diyos? Maging kapitan ng lungsod ng Maynila (What was my dream? To become a ship captain. What did God give me? To become the captain of the city of Manila),” he said.

He added that the next chapter of the graduates’ lives remains unwritten.

“Walang laman ang mga pahina ng libro ng buhay ninyo; kayo ang gagawa niyan (The pages of your life’s book are blank; you will write them),” he said.