Ateneo suspends travel for students, staff amid global energy crisis

Ateneo de Manila University has imposed temporary restrictions on international and domestic travel for its higher education community, citing ongoing disruptions linked to the global energy crisis.

In a memorandum dated March 31, Vice President for Higher Education Maria Luz C. Vilches announced that all new travel requests for faculty and staff will be suspended from April 1 to May 31, 2026, regardless of funding source.

The move follows earlier guidance from the university leadership to conserve resources as uncertainties in global fuel supply continue to affect air travel.

“Beginning 01 April 2026, the processing of new requests for permission to travel, whether international or domestic, regardless of funding source, will be temporarily suspended until 31 May 2026,” the memo read.

Exemptions may be granted only for “mission-critical” trips, subject to strict review by school heads and academic leaders. Those allowed to travel must submit a signed declaration acknowledging risks, along with travel documents and comprehensive insurance.

Previously approved trips are not automatically canceled, but faculty and staff have been urged to reassess plans with their supervisors.

The university also extended stricter measures to students, suspending all university-related travel from April 1 to June 30, 2026.

This includes study abroad programs, faculty-led trips, and other international or off-campus activities organized by academic units.

“Students who have incurred significant expenses and who still wish to pursue study abroad, are strongly urged to seek close guidance from their parents and come to a discerned decision about whether or not to proceed with the mobility.”

Students who choose to proceed despite the suspension must still complete pre-departure requirements, including a revised declaration and clearance process.

The university said it will coordinate with partner institutions abroad to seek deadline extensions and possible refunds for affected students.

Academic units have also been instructed to adjust study programs where necessary to prevent delays in graduation.

The policy comes as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other agencies warned of possible flight disruptions tied to fuel shortages. Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raised the possibility of grounded flights, particularly for long-haul routes, as some countries face constraints in supplying aviation fuel.

Ateneo said the measures are temporary and will be reviewed as global conditions evolve.

“These measures are adopted in the spirit of prudence, shared responsibility, and discernment, and will be reviewed as global conditions evolve,” the memo stated.

Last week, universities across Metro Manila began to roll out energy conservation measures from hybrid learning to compressed workweeks—as global fuel supply pressures linked to the Middle East conflict begin to affect operations in the Philippines.

The moves follow Memorandum Circular No. 114, which directs government agencies to reduce energy consumption amid an expected spike in oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News