Several top universities in the Philippines announce transitioning to online classes on March 19, 2026, reacting to a nationwide transport strike prompted by oil price hikes.
On March 19, 2026, multiple prominent Philippine educational institutions have announced a shift from in-person to online class formats due to a nationwide transportation strike. The strike is a response to a significant increase in oil prices connected to ongoing Middle East conflicts, affecting commuter mobility across the country.
The universities implementing this change include Adamson University; Ateneo de Manila University, where undergraduate and graduate courses within the Schools of Education and Learning Design, Humanities, Management, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences will be conducted online; Colegio de San Juan de Letran; De La Salle University – both the Manila and Laguna campuses; and the University of Santo Tomas.
Officials from these institutions released statements affirming their commitment to maintaining academic schedules and ensuring student safety amid transit disruptions. They advise students to prepare for remote learning and to check respective university portals for updated instructions.
This proactive shift aims to minimize disruption to education while accommodating the logistical challenges arising from the nationwide protest. Authorities have also deployed additional police personnel to manage public order, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is preparing alternative free transportation services to assist commuters during the strike.
The situation remains fluid, and educational authorities encourage continued monitoring of official communications for any further changes.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/980529/list-online-class-on-march-19-2026/story/
