STATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it has prepared measures to deal with an expected 3.5 percent rise in passenger volume across various ports nationwide during the upcoming Holy Week, with the Port of Batangas projected to handle the highest passenger traffic.
From April 14 to 20, passenger volume at seaports is expected to increase to 1.73 million from 1.67 million during the same period last year, as more Filipinos take advantage of sea travel to visit their provinces, the pilgrimage sites and vacation destinations, Jay Santiago, PPA general manager, said in a statement on Tuesday, April 8.
“We are prepared for the increased number of passengers this Holy Week 2025, especially as the Lenten Season coincides with summer,” Santiago said, noting that most local travelers are expected to take advantage of the long non-working days, even as tourists explore the Philippine islands via sea travel.
Busiest ports
The top five ports that will see a high volume of passengers this Lenten season are led by the Port of Batangas, which is expected to handle around 20,000 to 25,000 passengers daily during the peak period.
It is followed by the ports of Mindoro, Panay/Guimaras, Negros Oriental/Siquijor and Bohol.
In the first three weeks of March alone, PPA said, passenger numbers reached 3.03 million, averaging 1.01 million passengers per week.
According to PPA, port passenger traffic is seen to peak in the Holy Week, nearing pre-pandemic figures, with an estimated 1.73 million travelers utilizing port facilities during the Lenten season.
More personnel, enhanced operations
To accommodate the higher number of passengers, PPA said it has mobilized additional personnel and enhanced terminal operations across key ports. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon also recently inspected ports in Visayas and Mindanao.
Measures put in place include optimizing passenger terminal facilities, ensuring the functionality of security and safety equipment, and deploying port police for crowd control and assistance, PPA added.
In preparation for peak travel days, PPA said it has conducted maintenance checks on critical infrastructure, including standby generator sets for uninterrupted power supply, water systems and ventilation to mitigate the effects of El Niño and rising temperatures.
“With the adequate manpower, appropriate facilities, and backup systems placed in ports, we can assure the public that we are ready for the influx but then again, it is the peak season so we appeal to our passengers to book their tickets ahead of time,” said Santiago.
Help desks have been established in major ports nationwide for travelers’ immediate information concerns, along with the port police and representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority for a seamless travel experience, PPA said.
