Schools suspend classes as transport strike disrupts Philippines

MANILA — In-person classes were suspended across multiple Philippine regions on Wednesday, September 30, as a nationwide transport strike entered its continuation phase, creating widespread disruptions to daily operations. Schools and universities in the Bicol Region were among the first educational institutions to announce class cancellations, citing the difficulty students and teachers would face in reaching campuses amid the strike action.

The transport stoppage, launched by the Piston transport group, was called to protest rising oil prices and existing tax burdens on the public transportation sector. The strike's ripple effects extended beyond the transport industry, affecting commerce, services, and educational activities across affected regions.

Local government units coordinated with educational institutions to announce class suspensions as a precautionary measure. The decision prioritized the safety of students and school personnel, recognizing that transportation challenges would make regular school operations untenable during the strike period.

Authorities did not provide a specific timeline for when normal classes would resume, with the status of operations depending on the resolution of the transport workers' action. Both public and private educational institutions were affected by the suspensions.