Classes suspended on all levels
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City government is bracing for Monday’s transport strike with Executive Assistant Joemarie Vargas announcing the city will utilize a bus to assist government employees.
He said government employees living in the northern part of the city can proceed to Barangay Bata for pickup, while those in the southern portion were directed to Barangay Sum-ag.
The city will also utilize 10 trucks from waste management contractor IPM-CDC—Vargas ensured the vehicles will be thoroughly cleaned.
In addition, the Bacolod City Police Office will be providing assistance to commuters by dispatching patrol cars to transport commuters.
Meanwhile, Acting Bacolod City Mayor El Cid Familiaran signed an executive order yesterday declaring classes on all levels suspended.
Based on the copy of the order, the Department of Education-Division of Bacolod City expressed concerns the strike will affect students and recommended suspending classes.
The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office also recommended the suspension.
Earlier this week, the Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE) and Federation Bacolod City Drivers Association (Febacda), announced intentions to join the nationwide transport strike.
In a joint statement by both transport groups, the demonstration is in protest of the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, which will be implemented on July 1, 2020.
Both groups said they strongly oppose the phase out of old PUVs, along with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) proposal to consolidate franchises.
Both SSTONE and Febacda added, the strikes will take place from 5:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB issued a warning to those participating in the strike and said their franchise permits will either be suspended or revoked.
They also claimed the strike will “bring an unnecessary inconvenience.”/DGB, WDJ