MANILA, Philippines — In response to the nationwide transport strike scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, several higher education institutions (HEIs) across Metro Manila and neighboring provinces have announced a shift to online asynchronous or synchronous classes. The transport strike, organized by groups like Piston, is a protest against the “diesel double whammy”—the rapid succession of oil price hikes linked to the escalating Middle East conflict—and calls for more substantial government subsidies.
To ensure the safety of students and faculty and to prevent being stranded due to the lack of public utility vehicles (PUVs), the following schools have released advisories regarding the transition to remote learning for the day:
Schools Shifting to Online Classes (March 19, 2026):
- Adamson University
- Apec Schools
- Ateneo de Manila University (Schools of Education and Learning Design, Humanities, Management, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences; others subject to Dean’s discretion)
- Centro Escolar University (CEU)
- Colegio de San Juan de Letran
- De La Salle University (DLSU) (Manila, Dasmariñas, and Laguna campuses)
- Far Eastern University (FEU) (Diliman and Alabang campuses)
- FEU Institute of Technology
- iAcademy Makati
- Manila Tytana College (Online from March 19, and March 23 to 31)
- Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna
- Medici di Makati College
- Miriam College
- National Teachers College
- Notre Dame of Greater Manila
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
- Rizal Technological University (RTU)
- Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Manila
- Trinity University of Asia
- University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)
- University of the East (UE) (Manila and Caloocan campuses)
- University of Santo Tomas (UST)
While President Marcos recently ordered the deferment of fare hikes to alleviate the burden on the public, transport groups are moving forward with the strike to demand more direct interventions, including the suspension of excise taxes on fuel.
School administrations have advised students to check their respective student portals and official social media pages for specific instructions regarding class schedules and the submission of requirements. Most laboratory classes and vital on-campus activities scheduled for this date have been postponed or rescheduled to ensure no student is disadvantaged by the transport disruption.
As the “Amihan” weakens and the country prepares for the Holy Week rush, local government units (LGUs) are also expected to deploy “Libreng Sakay” vehicles in high-traffic areas to assist those who still need to travel for work or essential services.