State-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is expecting over 1.4 million passengers in all its ports for the coming Undas and Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
This year’s forecast is 6 percent higher than the 1.3 million passengers recorded in 2022 mainly due to the relaxing of travel requirements after the pandemic. It is also significantly higher than the over 500,000 passengers recorded in 2020 covering the same dates.
As part of the preparation for the anticipated passenger influx, PPA has implemented a “No Leave Policy” from October 25 to November 8, 2023.
Jay Santiago, PPA general manager, has instructed all PPA personnel to refrain from availing leave of absence during this time when port services are mostly needed.
“As the lead agency in the passenger operation of PPA-managed ports nationwide, we have a huge responsibility in ensuring that sea travel of the public, especially during this coming BSKE and Undas, remains convenient, safe, and responsive to their needs, thus, the implementation of this No Leave Policy,” Santiago said.
Among the ports with the highest number of passengers recorded in 2022 were the ports in Iloilo, Batangas, Babak Port in Davao, Dumangas Port in Panay Island, and the ports in Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, an influx of passengers is expected starting October 28, based on data gathered by PPA over the past years.
The agency said it also heightened security measures at ports covering its 25 Port Management Offices nationwide, resulting in the heightened alert status of all Port Police officers and security forces inside and outside the port.
These measures include strict security, 24/7 CCTV monitoring, and K9 dogs roving at the port vicinity and passenger luggage aside from the x-ray machines and body scanners that passengers must pass through.
“If possible, let’s plan the trip early and make it a habit to check the time of the trip with your shipping lines to ensure everything before going to the port. Let’s not bring sharp objects to the port to avoid being confiscated,” Santiago advised passengers traveling at the ports for the long weekend.
