The holiday rush is undeniably upon us, evident in the congested roads leading out of Metro Manila. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming days as Filipinos take advantage of the long weekend since the 26th of December was declared a special non-working holiday. More individuals and families are set to embark on a much-needed vacation in the countryside or abroad.

The surge in crowds won't be limited to roads but will extend to airports and seaports as well. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) anticipates a considerable influx, reporting that it is “expecting 2.2 million passengers this month amid the holiday rush travel surge.”

With this situation, CAAP assures the public that airports are well-prepared for the crowd surge, with airport personnel ready to assist passengers. The agency also emphasized raising the heightened alert status across all 44 CAAP airports, in partnership with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and the Office for Transportation Security.

Seaports, too, will experience increased crowds in the coming days. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has said that it is “more than ready for the influx of passengers during the holiday rush, providing a safe, efficient, and comfortable experience for all travelers this Christmas season.”

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in a statement, said that it will “intensify its visibility to ensure the safety, security, and convenience of millions of sea passengers who are expected to flock at port terminals.” 

“As early as Dec. 15, Coast Guardians in 15 PCG Districts nationwide shall intensify the Coast Guard presence and visibility. The PCG shall remain on heightened alert until Jan. 8 of next year targeting ‘zero maritime incidents’ within this critical period.” 

Operations will be intensified, including stricter pre-departure inspections, 24/7 K9 patrolling, additional sea marshal deployment, and expanded coastal security patrols. Coast Guard vessels and air assets will be on standby for immediate deployment.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also assured the enhanced safety and security of bus terminals across the metro, anticipating the expected crowds leaving simultaneously to reach their provincial destinations before Christmas Day.  To provide more peace of mind for passengers, concerned agencies such as MMDA and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will conduct random drug testing among bus drivers. 

Acknowledging the potential traffic leading to ports and terminals, the DOTr has announced extended operating hours until Dec. 23 of the railways. Passengers of the LRT, MRT, and PNR can still go around the metro smoothly, without the stress of being stuck in traffic for hours. 

Government agencies advise airline, ship, and bus passengers to arrive early, around three hours before departure, and utilize online check-in when available to expedite the process. Passengers are encouraged to pack efficiently to avoid hassles and be extra vigilant to deter potential theft.

This holiday season marks a departure from the previous years, with the pandemic restricting movement. Now, with gates fully open and people freely traversing in and out of the country, authorities are ensuring a smooth travel experience for everyone. However, it also takes personal initiative and effort to become a responsible passenger, unless one wants to experience a literal nightmare before Christmas.