OVER 1.4 million passengers are expected to flock to ports under the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) until Nov. 5, with PPA ordering a “no leave policy” to ensure that facilities are ready to cater to the needs of the public.
The policy, issued through a memorandum dated Oct. 23, began on Wednesday, Oct. 25, until Nov. 8.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the policy is due to the PPA’s responsibility to ensure that sea travel “remains convenient, safe, and responsive” especially during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) and Undas.
The PPA is expecting 1,422,406 passengers from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5 this year – 6 percent higher compared to the same period in 2022.
The increase, Santiago said, is due to the continued relaxing of travel requirements after the coronavirus pandemic.
The influx of maritime passengers, he said, is expected to begin on Oct. 28. He also noted that the ports with the highest passengers recorded last year were those in Iloilo including the Dumangas Port in Dumangas town, Negros Occidental, Batangas, and Babak Port in Davao.
The PPA has also heightened security measures at ports under its 25 Port Management Offices nationwide.
“These measures include strict security, 24/7 CCTV monitoring, and K9 dogs roving at port vicinity and passenger luggage aside from the x-ray machines and body scanners that passengers must pass through,” he said.
To ensure smooth and easy travel, he advised the public to plan their trips ahead of time and to check the schedule of shipping lines before going to their local port.
Santiago called on the public to check the PPA’s social media pages for the latest updates on maritime travel or to inquire via the PPA hotline at (02) 8711-2360, available 24/7 for any port-related questions and concerns. (PNA)/PN
