Manila: At least 53 out-of-school youths and underprivileged students have completed the Education on Wheels (EOW) program at Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) announced on Wednesday. The milestone coincides with PUP's 2025 year-end commencement exercises for Academic Year 2024-2025, which began on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PUP President Manuel Muhi emphasized that the achievement demonstrates the institution's continued commitment to providing quality education for all Filipino learners. Muhi expressed that the success of the graduates is a testament to PUP's mission to transform the lives of every student through inclusive and quality education.

The EOW program is not limited to out-of-school youth; it also includes mothers, fathers, single parents, and other learners from indigent families. The 53 graduates completed the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration program and are set to have their graduation march on Saturday.

Overall, PUP has about 15,524 graduates across its campuses this year. Of these, 7,488 candidates are set to join the graduation rites at the PUP Gymnasium from September 16 to 20. Muhi expressed pride in all the graduates, noting that their resilience and dedication have brought them to this historic commencement.