MANILA, Philippines – A transport caravan on Thursday, March 15, which is expected to paralyze transportation in key Philippine cities, has led 4 Metro Manila local government units to suspend classes.

The local governments of Pasay City, San Juan City, Parañaque City, and Quezon City have cancelled Thursday classes for elementary and high school due to the transport strike, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced Wednesday evening. The suspension applies to both public and private schools, the DepEd noted.

The DepEd said it has decided not to implement a blanket suspension of classes. “It is left to the discretion of local government units,” the agency said.

For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is ready to implement its “Oplan Libreng Sakay” to give free rides to stranded passengers during the transport caravan. The AFP National Region Command has prepared 38 military vehicles for the free service. 

Led by the group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston), the transport caravan aims to urge government to raise jeepney fares amid rising oil prices. – Rappler.com