MANILA — The Department of Education will not cancel classes for the ongoing transport strike, Vice President Sara Duterte said Monday, adding she had been assured that there was no need to.

She said, however, that local government units may decide to cancel them if needed.

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Some private schools have announced a shift to online and hybrid learning in anticipation of the transport strike, which began Monday and could run until Wednesday

• LTFRB optimistic dialogue with PISTON will end strike

"The general rule is there will be no cancellation of classes during a transport strike," she said.

"The only exception is if the local government unit will declare a cancellation of classes, but the [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] do not recommend the cancellation of classes."

She said that the MMDA had assured her that it is "more than ready" to assist stranded commuters.

• QCPD to provide free rides during transport strike

Duterte, who is officer-in-charge of the executive branch while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is abroad, also said that the President has directed government agencies to minimize the inconvenience to commuters especially since classes and work had not been called off.

She also advised transport groups like PISTON to continue dialogues with the government and to bring their objections to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program to the table.