Iloilo City Halts In-Person Classes as Transport Strike Looms
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa S. Treñas has mandated the suspension of all face-to-face classes across public and private educational institutions on Monday, March 23, 2026. This decisive action comes in response to an anticipated transport holiday that threatens to severely disrupt public transportation services throughout the city.
Executive Order Issued to Ensure Public Safety
Under Executive Order 034, Series of 2026, which was formally signed on March 21, 2026, Mayor Treñas emphasized that the suspension applies to all schools within Iloilo City's territorial jurisdiction. The primary objective is to alleviate the burden on commuters and uphold public safety during the expected transportation crisis.
The order explicitly states: "In anticipation of the transport holiday on March 23, 2026, face-to-face classes at all levels, in all schools situated within the territorial jurisdiction of Iloilo City are hereby suspended."
This directive was prompted by alarming reports indicating that only 590 out of 1,782 public utility vehicles would be operational during the strike. Such a drastic reduction is projected to cause significant inconvenience and potential safety hazards for the riding public.
Recommendation from Traffic Management Office
Mayor Treñas acted upon a formal recommendation from the Traffic and Transportation Management Office, headed by Retired Colonel Uldarico Garbanzos. The office advised suspending in-person classes to mitigate mobility pressure and safeguard the welfare of residents.
Despite the halt in physical classroom activities, school administrators have been instructed to implement an "Alternative Delivery Mode of Instruction" to ensure educational continuity. This measure aims to prevent any disruption in the learning process for students.
The executive order clarifies that decisions regarding work suspension in government offices and private businesses will remain at the discretion of respective agency heads and business owners.
City Government Launches "Libreng Sakay" Initiative
To counteract the transportation challenges posed by the strike, the Iloilo City Government is deploying government buses and service vehicles under a comprehensive "Libreng Sakay" or free ride program. This initiative is designed to provide crucial assistance to commuters stranded by the transport holiday.
Free transportation services will be available from three major jump-off points: Arevalo Plaza, Mandurriao Plaza, and Jaro Plaza. All routes will travel to and from Plaza Libertad, ensuring connectivity across key areas of the city.
Government vehicles will commence operations at 6 a.m., departing once fully loaded. Continuous transportation will be provided until 10 a.m. Afternoon trips will resume at 4 p.m. from Plaza Libertad and continue until 8 p.m.
Provincial Government Joins Relief Efforts
Simultaneously, the Iloilo Provincial Government will implement its own "Libreng Sakay" program to aid stranded commuters at critical terminals, including Mohon, Ungka, and Tagbak.
Service vehicles from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the General Services Office will be deployed starting at 6 a.m. to ferry passengers affected by the transport strike.
PDRRMO chief Cornelio Salinas has directed all Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices to undertake preparedness and response measures, with a specific focus on assisting stranded commuters.
Background and Public Cooperation
The transport holiday was organized by various transport groups to protest escalating fuel costs, which they argue continue to negatively impact their operational viability.
City officials are urging residents to cooperate fully and plan their trips in advance while government measures are actively in place to minimize disruption. Additionally, residents with private vehicles are encouraged to practice carpooling to further ease transportation challenges during the strike.
