MANILA, Philippines — Schools and universities across the Philippines have shifted to online classes today, March 19, 2026, as a nationwide transport strike disrupts public commuting. The move aims to ensure continuity of learning while addressing safety and accessibility concerns for students and staff.

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, several colleges and universities announced the suspension of face-to-face classes and the adoption of online learning modalities in response to the nationwide transport strike. 

The strike was organized by transport groups protesting against rising oil prices, calling for government subsidies, and demanding fare adjustments amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East that has triggered global fuel hikes.

The University of the Philippines Manila confirmed that it would shift to remote learning and remote work arrangements for faculty and staff. Ateneo de Manila University also announced that undergraduate and graduate classes across its Schools of Education and Learning Design, Humanities, Management, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences would be conducted online.

De La Salle University in Manila and Laguna campuses, Adamson University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and the University of Santo Tomas likewise declared enriched virtual modes of instruction for the day. “In light of the transport strike, all classes will be held online to ensure that learning continues without disruption,” Ateneo stated in its official advisory.

The transport strike, led by groups such as Piston, is part of a broader protest against the government’s handling of oil price surges. Organizers emphasized that the strike was necessary to push for immediate subsidies and fare increases to support drivers and commuters. “We cannot continue to absorb the rising costs without government intervention,” a spokesperson for the transport group said.

Students and parents expressed mixed reactions to the sudden shift. While many welcomed the flexibility of online learning, others raised concerns about internet connectivity and access to digital devices. Universities assured their communities that faculty members were prepared to deliver lessons virtually and that support services would remain available online.

The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education have yet to issue a nationwide directive, but institutions acted independently to safeguard their students. The move highlights the growing reliance on digital platforms in times of crisis, reinforcing the role of online education as a contingency measure.

As the transport strike continues, schools are expected to monitor developments and adjust their learning modalities accordingly. For now, March 19 marks another day where technology bridges the gap between classrooms and homes, ensuring that education remains uninterrupted despite challenges on the ground.