LSCs urge leniency amid transport strike, cite USC's 'libreng sakay' as 'inadequate' solution

Local University Councils (LSCs) of Pampanga State University (PampangaStateU) are calling on the administration and the University Student Council (USC) to consider students’ struggles during the nationwide transport strike on March 26 and 27, as the University has not suspended face-to-face classes despite the planned strike, prompting concerns among student leaders about accessibility and fairness.

In their statement, the College of Business Studies Student Council (CBSSC) recognized the shuttle service but noted that it is insufficient for students from distant towns.

“Pinahahalagahan namin ang libreng shuttle, ngunit huwag nating lokohin ang ating mga sarili. Ang isang shuttle sa gitna ng San Fernando ay walang silbi sa isang estudyanteng taga-Arayat, Apalit, Magalang, o Porac kung ang mga dyip sa kanilang sariling bayan ay kasama sa welga,” CBSSC said, stressing that many students cannot afford ride-hailing alternatives.

This is in line with the announcement of Libreng Sakay' organized by USC, which 'runs from Guagua Plaza and SM City Pampanga to Pampanga State University, with trips at 7:00, 8:30, and 10:00 a.m., and 4:30, 5:30, and 7:00 p.m., with commuters advised to arrive early as slots are first-come, first-served.

CBSSC added that forcing students to attend classes amid transportation and financial challenges is not an exercise in resilience, but a failure to recognize real hardship.

“Hindi lahat ay may extrang pera, oras, o paraan para makahanap ng alternatibong biyahe,” the council emphasized.

The College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC) also emphasized that while midterms are crucial for academic performance, unreliable transport has made it difficult for many students to attend classes on time.

“Mahalagang papel ng Midterm Examination sa aming kabuuang marka ngayong ikalawang semestre—subalit sa gitna ng krisis na kinakaharap ng bansa, at sa bigat ng epekto nito sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan, tulad ng mga drayber at gaya naming mga estudyanteng komyuter, malinaw na ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ay hindi patas para sa lahat,” said the CSSPSC.

In annother statement, the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management Student Council (CHTMSC) has cited that the majority of students are coming from areas affected by the transportation crisis, which may disrupt attendance and create challenges in keeping up with scheduled quizzes and exams.

“Data shows that 90% of our students come from areas affected by the ongoing transportation crisis, making it difficult for many to attend classes, especially during quizzes and exams,” the post read.

As of this writing, local student councils from the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), College of Education (COE), and College of Industrial Technology (CIT) have also expressed their sentiments on social media.