Batangas Passenger Terminal (BPT), the country’s biggest and most modern interisland travel hub operated by Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), is ready for the anticipated influx of passengers during this coming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
ATI is implementing the “Oplan Byaheng Ayos” program in partnership with port authorities, local governments and stakeholders.
ATI unveiled the BPT in June equipped with world-class facilities, such as a passenger lounge, ticketing offices, clean and gender-neutral restrooms, provisions for free wi-fi and clean drinking water, and mobility features for the elderly and differently-abled, among others.
ATI said Batangas terminal’s Phase 1 can comfortably accommodate around 3,500 passengers at any given time, with its capacity increasing to nearly 6,000 passengers upon completion of its Phase 2 by next year.
BPT directly connects mainland Luzon to famous island destinations, such as Mindoro, Romblon, Masbate, Iloilo, Boracay and Palawan as well as other Visayas and Mindanao locations, through fast-crafts and domestic roll-on/roll-off vessels calling the port.
ATI earlier said it has earmarked P17.5 billion for capital expenditure in the next five years to finance the continued upgrade and construction of new facilities. This includes yard and berth development as well as construction of new facilities and equipment acquisition for 2022 to 2026.
For this year, the company is investing an estimated P5.43 billion to support the acquisition of more modern cargo handling equipment and the development of ports and logistics infrastructure across ATI’s sites.
The company added it plans to continuously enhance its gateway ports in Manila and Batangas this year, for containerized cargo, non-containerized cargo and passenger handling operations, upgrading their capacity and technologies to support customer growth in response to future market demand and contribute to the post pandemic recovery of the economy. – Myla Iglesias
