The Negros Occidental and Bacolod City governments will continue operations during the two-day transportation strike on Monday and Tuesday, March 21 and 22.
It is going to be business as usual at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) when the transport sector stages its “People’s Holiday” to protest against the spate of fuel price increases, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said in a statement Friday, March 18.
The mayor, who called for sobriety, said he hopes the strike will be peaceful.
“Let us also show respect for other stakeholders, who may not join the protest action on Monday and Tuesday”, he said.
So as not to disrupt the city government’s services to its constituents, regular office hours will be observed on Monday and Tuesday, Leonardia said.
The local government will also provide transport services to employees, who may be stranded as a result of the “People’s Holiday”, he added.
Employees are advised to communicate with their respective departments or units for guidance, Leonardia said.
The mayor, at the same time, said the city government commiserates with the transport groups’ sentiments and disappointments.
“We express our solidarity with you as you call on national agencies to provide some relief to an already difficult situation that is further compounded by the current health crisis,” he said.
The Negros Occidental provincial government will also provide transportation services for its employees during the two-day transportation strike, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
In a memorandum issued Friday, Diaz said provincial government department and office heads are requested to utilize their respective vehicles and submit a list of their carpool.
Designated routes and pick-up/drop-off points for those who would like to avail of the provincial government buses have also been set up, he said.*