Some Metro Manila universities shift to online classes ahead of transport strike

At least two universities in Metro Manila will shift to online classes given that there will be a transport strike early next week.

The University of Santo Tomas Office of the Secretary-General announced the implementation of the Enriched Virtual Mode of Instruction on April 29–30 since the ''announced transport strike will constrain the implementation of our mitigation measures addressing the high heat index.''

“The Human Resource Department will issue a memorandum on work arrangements,” the advisory read.

Far Eastern University Manila and Makati will also switch to online instruction on April 29 and 30, citing ''limited campus access due to the transport strike.''

“Students are advised to consult with their teachers for class instructions,” the advisory said.

The library will remain open for students, while freshmen enrollment will continue both onsite and online, it added.

The transport strike will be held by transport group PISTON from April 29 to May 1 in protest of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program and the looming April 30 deadline for the consolidation of jeepney franchises.

Alabang, Baclaran, Sucat, Taft Avenue, Agoncillo, Monumento, Novaliches, Litex, Anonas, Katipunan, and Philcoa were identified as “mass up” areas for the transport protest.

Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) expressed solidarity with the jeepney drivers, vowing that some of its members will join them in protest actions as early as April 29.

For the May 1 Labor Day action, KMU secretary-general Jerome Adonis said that marchers from various sectors will converge at 6:30 a.m. in front of UST along España Boulevard and proceed to the United States Embassy in Manila along Roxas Boulevard.

Issues related to wages and livelihood, particularly the drivers decrying the cost of modernizing their jeepneys, will be among the key themes for the protest marchers. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News