Transport Strike Prompts Class Suspensions Across the Country

National Impact of the PISTON-Led Strike

Several schools and universities have announced the suspension of face-to-face classes on Thursday, March 19, 2026, due to an impending transport strike organized by the group PISTON (Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide). The strike is expected to affect not only the National Capital Region but also provinces nationwide. PISTON national president Mody Floranda confirmed during a press conference that the group plans to launch the strike across the entire country, prompting educational institutions to take precautionary measures.

Government Response and Advisories

Local and national authorities have issued advisories urging students and faculty to stay home during the strike. The transport strike is anticipated to cause significant disruptions in public transportation, making it unsafe and impractical for students to commute to school. Authorities are advising the public to monitor official announcements for updates on the class suspension status in their respective areas.

Universities Shift to Alternative Learning Modalities

Major Higher Education Institutions Affected

Multiple prominent universities have already released their official advisories regarding the class adjustments. The following institutions will transition to online learning on March 19, 2026:
  • University of the East (UE) – Manila and Caloocan campuses will shift all classes to online modality
  • Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Sta. Mesa campus will implement remote learning
  • Adamson University – All levels will conduct synchronous online classes
  • National Teachers College – All academic levels will transition to synchronous online classes

Private Schools and Additional Institutions

Several other private schools and colleges have also released their respective advisories, with most opting to suspend face-to-face classes entirely for the day. Some institutions have indicated they will issue further guidance depending on the severity of the strike's impact. Educational leaders emphasize that student safety remains the top priority and that shifting to online platforms ensures minimal disruption to the academic calendar while keeping learners protected.

Preparing for Thursday's Class Suspension

What Students and Parents Should Know

Students and parents are advised to stay updated through official school channels for specific instructions regarding their classes on March 19. Schools that have not yet released announcements may still update their status before Thursday morning. Faculty members have been instructed to prepare learning materials for online delivery in case their respective institutions decide to implement remote learning.

Monitoring for Updates

The list of schools and universities suspending face-to-face classes is expected to grow as more institutions release their official statements. Local government units in various regions may also announce class suspensions for all levels, from kindergarten to senior high school. The public is encouraged to regularly check official advisories from the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education for comprehensive updates. Essential workers and those who must travel on Thursday are advised to plan alternative transportation arrangements in advance, as public utility vehicles and jeepneys may be limited during the strike.