Close to 40,000 passengers were monitored by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in various ports nationwide while thousands flocked to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) over the weekend as Filipinos go to the provinces to spend the Christmas season with their loved ones.
The PCG said that 20,470 outbound passengers and 18,516 inbound passengers were recorded in ports all over the country from 12 midnight to 6 a.m.
A significant influx of passengers and vehicles has been reported at the Batangas Port, with travelers enduring long queues to catch trips.
“The terminal is currently experiencing a high volume of travelers and vehicles, reflecting the expected surge as people head to various destinations for the Christmas holiday,” the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog said.
“Coast Guard personnel are on standby, ready to ensure the safety and security of all travelers and provide any necessary assistance,” it noted.
The PCG deployed 2,871 frontline personnel in 16 PCG districts nationwide. On Sunday alone, they inspected 115 vessels and 45 motorboats to ensure passenger safety.
PITX
Kolyn Calbasa, PITX corporate affairs officer, said they expect more passengers to arrive until Monday, Dec. 23, in addition to the 218,000 passengers recorded on Saturday alone.
“That’s record-breaking for us kasi ang last na pinaka-highest namin ever is ito na, ‘yung 204,000 nu'ng December 23 last year,” she said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview on Sunday. (Our last highest count was 204,000 passengers on Dec. 23 last year.)
“Ine-expect natin na by tomorrow, marami pa rin ang hahabol na ating mga kababayan para makauwi sa kanilang mga probinsya,” she added. (We expect many people to arrive to go home to their provinces.)
The management of PITX added additional bus trips specifically for those going to the Bicol region.
Passengers bound for Bicol have been forming long lines at the PITX and were told that there were no available seats up until Dec. 24.
The PITX advised passengers to be vigilant against pickpockets who are taking advantage of the high volume of people in the ports and terminals.
Passengers were also reminded not to bring sharp and flammable objects and to check for the availability of tickets before proceeding to the passenger terminals to help ease congestion.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had earlier granted over 900 special permits for public utility vehicles to cater to more passengers during the holidays.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also allowed provincial buses to use EDSA for limited hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Dec. 20.
From Dec. 26 to January 2, 2025, provincial buses will be allowed to use EDSA for 24 hours.
7 million passengers
The Department of Transportation said that around seven million travelers are expected to flock to the PITX and different sea ports in the country – three million in PITX alone, and four million in piers and sea ports until the first two weeks of January next year for the expected influx of passengers.
DOTr Executive Assistant to the Secretary Jonathan Gesmundo said the LTFRB and the MMDA had earlier issued policies and road adjustments to address the anticipated influx of passengers during the holidays.
The LTFRB also approved 5,000 additional slots for ride-hailing services in Metro Manila amid the high demand this holiday season.
Gesmundo said the MRT and LRT systems also extended their operating hours to accommodate more passengers.
He urged the public to take public transportation instead of bringing their private vehicles to avoid a “carmageddon” scenario in major expressways and road networks.