WITH the anticipated influx of passengers during the Holy Week, the Philippine Coast Guard is doing everything in its power to end the problem of non-inclusion of passengers in manifests which usually leads to overloading.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, in a radio interview, said solving the problem requires the cooperation of shipping companies and the passengers themselves.
Passengers not in the manifest are not qualified to receive insurance benefits in case of mishaps. This also makes it difficult for the PCG to account for passengers in case of accidents.
“Just like in the past, our stations and sub-stations nationwide are ready to provide pre-departure inspections,” Gavan said, referring to their preparations for the coming Holy Week.
Many people go to the provinces to observe Holy Week and go on vacation, leading to a surge of passengers at seaports.
“We will check the seaworthiness of vessels and ensure all passengers are in the manifest.
We also have K9 (dogs) checking on items that are not supposed to enter our ports and vessels,” added Gavan.
Gavan said intelligence operations will be also intensified during the period, adding sea marshals will be on board vessels to assist passengers during emergencies.
He said they are trying to address problems in passenger manifests in coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority, but added there are still isolated cases that being are reported.
“There are still some instances (of unmanifested passengers in passenger vessels), some are still violating (the regulation),” said Gavan.
He said passengers usually skirt manifest procedures to reach their destinations faster.
Some erring shipping operators also want to earn more and allow unmanifested passengers.
“The responsibility not only lies with the passengers but also on the government. We (PCG) also have a responsibility to ensure regulations are followed,” said Gavan.
“The cooperation of everyone is needed. At the end of the day, it is about responsible governance. On the shipping (industry), it is about responsible ownership. On the passengers, it’s the sense of individual responsibility for their protection. So, everyone should be responsible,” said Gavan.
Gavan said the problem will continue “until the culture changes.
“But the government is doing everything to create the right culture during sea travel,” said Gavan.
LENTEN EXHIBIT
One week before the Holy Week, the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros yesterday opened an exhibit to showcase the religious images and items used during the sacred observance among Christians.
In social media posts, the Manila Cathedral announced the holding of the exhibit titled “Sa Pag-alala sa Akin” in its Blessed Souls Chapel until March 24.
“As we approach Holy Week, join us as we respond to Pope Francis’ invitation to reacquaint ourselves in prayer through an exhibit of Filipino religious images used during Lent,” said the Manila Cathedral.
It said the exhibit aims to help the faithful prepare themselves for the coming Holy Week.
“In this Year of Prayer, let this be a useful way to prepare ourselves for the coming Holy Week as we celebrate the Passion of the Lord,” said the Manila Cathedral.
Included in the exhibit are the different images of Jesus Christ, such as when He was crowned with thorns, scourged, crucified on the cross, placed on His tomb, and resurrected.
The Holy Week, considered the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity, begins on Palm Sunday, March 24, and ends on Easter Sunday, March 31.
Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula is set to lead the faithful of the Archdiocese of Manila in the Holy Week activities of the Manila Cathedral.
In a statement, the Archdiocese of Manila said Advincula will preside over the Palm Sunday Mass on March 24 at 8 a.m., where churchgoers carry palm leaves to be blessed.
On March 28, Holy Thursday, Advincula will preside over the Chrism Mass at 7 a.m., to be preceded by the morning prayer at 6:30 a.m.
At 5 pm also on Holy Thursday, the Cardinal will again preside at the Mass commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples.
On March 29, Good Friday, there will be Stations of the Cross starting at 9 a.m.
The Mass for the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion will start at 3 p.m. on Good Friday with the Eucharistic celebration consisting of three parts — the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and the Holy Communion.
The Cardinal is also set to lead the Easter Vigil Mass set to begin at 8 p.m. on March 30.
On March 31, Easter Sunday, the Masses at the Manila Cathedral will be at 8 and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. — With Gerard Naval