IN A MILESTONE for inclusive education, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) celebrated the graduation of the first batch of Education on Wheels students from Smokey Mountain, Tondo, during its 2025 Year-End Commencement Exercises.

A total of 51 students from the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration program under the PUP Open University System received their diplomas on September 20 after completing four years of learning in a mobile classroom.

Commencement speaker Milalin Javellana, Program Director of the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines, commended the graduates for their perseverance and reminded them that education is built not only on lessons learned but also on discipline and sacrifice.

She also encouraged the new alumni to harness technology and innovation as tools for progress, emphasizing the importance of using them responsibly for continuous learning and development.

Graduates shared emotional stories of resilience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to pursue higher education despite poverty and personal challenges. Many vowed to give back by inspiring and helping others continue their studies.

“The success of EOW highlights PUP’s commitment to providing affordable tertiary education to Filipinos and empowering them to rise above poverty,” the university said.

“This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all,” it added.