LGUs to Class Suspensions During 3-Day Transport Strike, DepEd Says
The Department of Education (DepEd) leaves the declaration of class suspensions to LGUs for a three-day transport strike on November 20, 2023. (Monday).
Previously, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide – PISTON announced a nationwide transport strike from Nov. 20 to 23 to oppose the public utility vehicle modernization program.
The group opposes the program that aims to phase out traditional jeepneys and upgrade public transportation. The drivers and operators claimed that it would be affecting their livelihoods by taking away their franchises.
The government wants to modernize public utility vehicles with at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to reduce pollution. However, many drivers could not afford modernized jeepneys, reaching over P2 million per unit.
On Saturday (November 18, 2023), the Education Department clarified that it will not issue class suspensions for the nationwide transport strike on November 20-23, 2023. LGUs will have the discretion to announce class suspensions in their respective areas.
The advisory from DepEd emphasizes its decision not to cancel or suspend classes nationwide during the transport strike. Instead, it defers this decision to the discretion of local government units.
According to the advisory, local authorities have the discretion to announce class cancellations or suspensions based on specific conditions and circumstances.
“No cancellation of classes will be issued by the Department of Education (DepEd), Unless local government units announce cancellation and/ or suspension of classes in their respective jurisdictions, schools shall hold classes without disruption,” DepEd said.
DepEd’s decision to leave the authority to suspend classes in the hands of LGUs displays a flexible approach.
This acknowledges that different areas may experience varying levels of disruption due to the transport strike and that local authorities are better positioned to assess the situation on the ground.
The netizens expressed their reactions to the announcement:
