Metro Manila universities shift online amid week-long transport strike

Several Metro Manila schools will shift to online classes from March 6 to 11, 2023 amid the week-long transport strike against the public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program.

In Metro Manila, all in-person classes are suspended next week and will be shifted online in the following schools/universities:

• Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)
• De La Salle University Manila, Greenhills, and Araneta Campus
• University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Campus
• University of the East (UE) Manila and Caloocan City Campus
• Mapua University Intramuros and Makati Campus
• Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila and Makati Campus
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
• San Beda University Manila and Rizal Campus
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
• Arellano University (AU)
• Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)
• University of Sto. Tomas
• University of Perpetual Help System DALTA
• Saint Francis of Assisi College, College Department

The University of the Philippines-Manila (UPM) said classes would still push through on campus despite the strike.

"Please stand by for updates related to the planned transport strike. But as of the moment, the OVCAA [Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs] announced that there will be no class suspension or shift to online classes in view of the upcoming week-long transport strike," UPM said in an advisory. 

Meanwhile, the Divine Light Academy in Las Piñas said its preschool to Grade 12 levels will have ODL (synchronous classes) on March 6. "Teachers may work from home or come to school for stronger Internet connection. Please wait for further announcement, as the school's decision will be based on the daily development of the said transport strike," the school said.

Adamson University on the other hand said classes in all levels on March 6 shall be held online. "If at any day within the week, transport strike is lifted, classes will resume onsite," it said in a post on Facebook on Sunday.

Despite the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) decision to extend the deadline for jeepney operators to join or form cooperatives to December 31, 2023, the week-long transportation holiday will push through.

This was to express opposition to the government's modernization program, which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles powered by more environment-friendly fuels. —LDF/KG, GMA Integrated News