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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PPA preps for Holy Week, goes on 'heightened alert'

PPA preps for Holy Week, goes on 'heightened alert'

Published Mar 27, 2021 02:43 pm

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has announced that it is on ‘heightened alert’ in efforts to ensure that proper health and safety protocols are observed ahead of the Lenten break.

Philippine Port Authority (PPA) (MANILA BULLETIN)

The move was made in light of the possible increase in the number of travelers due to the upcoming Holy Week, as well as to address the rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

Special attention is also being implemented at ports located in the “NCR-plus bubble (National Capital Region, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal)” to guarantee that only authorized persons can enter and exit the facilities.

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, as early as five days ago, already released the enhanced health and safety guidelines to be observed at ports to secure the movement of the local and international supply chains while at the same time safeguarding the belt for the passage sector in areas where interzonal travel is allowed.

"It is a must for the PPA to strictly enforce all anti-COVID-19 measures to protect the sea-going public as much as possible during this Lenten break and eventually this coming summer vacation,” Santiago added.

“PPA is advising the public to make sure that they have the vital documentary requirements needed by their LGU of destination, particularly those coming from the NCR-plus bubble to avoid any inconvenience in their planned itinerary of travel,” Santiago explained.

Based on PPA Memorandum Circular No. 08-2021 released last Monday, March 22, the measures being imposed at PPA ports include the following:

1. Wearing of face mask and face shields
2. Conduct of temperature check
3. Keeping the Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs) and offices well ventilated
4. Conduct of frequent disinfection of PTBs and PPA offices and facilities
5. Frequent handwashing and use of alcohols and sanitizers
6. No PPA personnel and port users with COVID-19 symptoms shall be allowed inside the port, PTB and offices
7. Observance of appropriate social distancing
8. Only authorized persons outside their residence as defined under IATF Resolution No. 104 and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Advisory dated 22 March 2021 shall be allowed into and out the ports.

Aside from these, PPA has also mobilized its Malasakit Help Desks at ports to serve passengers in need of assistance as well as ship agents to provide and regularly update their passengers of their ships’ arrival and departure schedules.

For convenience, ports shall be equipped with first aid services on a 24/7 schedule; properly cleaned and maintained PTB facilities, particularly comfort rooms and washrooms; provision of drinking water; and extra tents and chairs for passenger use while waiting at the port.

For safety, all passengers are required to go through PTB security screening before boarding the vessels. This will include the establishment of security-check fast lane services for passengers carrying minimal belongings, persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women or child-bearing individuals.

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