The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects passenger traffic to increase by 5 percent to 1.62 million during this year’s Undas.
Jay Santiago, PPA general manager, has directed all department heads to ensure sufficient personnel in port operations and security as part of preparations for the expected influx of passengers,
“This is important to ensure that full service is provided to passengers and other port users this Undas and long weekend. Along with observing All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, we can also support domestic tourism and ensure their safety and comfort in our ports,” said Santiago in a statement.
In Undas 2023, PPA recorded 1.54 million passengers, with the Port Management Office (PMO) of Panay/Guimaras posting the highest passenger traffic at 146,781, followed by PMO Batangas with 146,710; PMO Mindoro, 143,904; PMO Negros Oriental/Siquijor, 129,880; and PMO Bohol, 127,332 passengers.
Meanwhile, PPA said the damage to docks across the country of severe tropical storm Kristine reached P110.8 million.
However, Santiago noted no major damage in the ports that have returned to operations.
As PPA’s solidarity with the government to quickly recover the areas severely affected by the disaster, Santiago has ordered port managers throughout the country to give priority to relief operations, particularly power restoration teams and government delivery trucks.
As for passengers boarding at Batangas Port, a new entrance will be opened for passengers to make it easier for them to enter the port and protect them from scalpers or fixers as well as travel insurance sellers.
“We are only asking our compatriots who will travel to Batangas, first of all, travel insurance is not required. They are already insured when they buy a ticket on the ships. There is also someone there who suddenly grabs things and pretends to be a porter. Be careful there,” Santiago said.
PPA will ensure that accessibility at the terminal will be safer in the coming days, he added.
