The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has placed transportation facilities across the country on “high alert” as it estimates that millions of Filipinos will travel for Holy Week.

In a radio interview, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the DOTr and its attached agencies are actively monitoring airports, road transport terminals, and seaports to ensure passenger safety.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the country’s busiest airport and main international gateway, is expected to welcome more than 1.18 million passengers from April 13 to 20.

This is a 14-percent increase from last year’s 1.04 million passengers.

Dizon, who inspected the airport’s facilities last week, said the agency estimates that up to 150,000 passengers will flock to the three terminals this Holy Week.

New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is expected to handle the increase in passenger volume as it has deployed more passenger boarding bridges, expanded transport and parking areas, and upgraded security and baggage systems since taking over the operations of NAIA last year.

“Nakipag-ugnayan na tayo sa private operator at sa MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) para matiyak na safe, convenient, at mabilis ang pagdaan ng ating mga kababayan,” said Dizon.

(We have coordinated with the private operator and the MIAA to ensure that our fellow citizens can pass through safely, conveniently, and quickly.)

Land travel

The DOTr’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) has assured passengers traversing on land that road transport terminals are prepared for safe and seamless travel for Holy Week.

The SAICT has deployed enforcers round-the-clock on the EDSA Carousel, integrated terminal exchanges, and certain parts of major highways.

It has likewise intensified efforts to decongest commuter areas, enforce traffic laws, conduct anti-colorum operations, and ensure the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles through rigorous roadside inspections.

On Monday, April 14, the DOTr chief visited the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which is expected to accommodate over 2.5 million passengers this week.

The PITX, the intermodal transport hub linking Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, estimates that more than 150,000 daily passengers will use it during Holy Week.

Dizon said an additional 1,000 buses will be added to prepare for passengers traveling to their home provinces or other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) is rolling out its “Biyaheng Arangkada Semana Santa” program for the anticipated travel surge.

Under this initiative, the tollway operator is offering free mechanic and towing services, enhanced traffic operations, and on-call emergency medical services, among other things.

MPTC is the concessionaire behind the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), and Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Sea travel

The DOTr’s Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), which oversees the country’s public ports, expects over 1.73 million passengers for this year’s Holy Week.

This is a 3.5-percent increase from the 1.67 million passengers recorded last year.

With the prevalence of overloading on sea travel, the DOTr earlier signed a joint memorandum circular alongside the PPA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to curb this tactic.

“Ang pinaka importante, lalo na sa panahon na napakaraming bumabyahe, ay ang safety ng ating mga kababayan,” said Dizon.

(The most important thing, especially during times when so many people are traveling, is the safety of our fellow citizens.)

Under the circular, the PCG is tasked to strictly implement the weight limit of vessels based on boarding passengers and vehicles, while Marina will impose the corresponding penalty on the shipping company that has overloaded passengers.

In an interview, Dizon ordered the investigation and sanctions of a Romblon-bound ship that had violated this circular.

The ship was found to have sold tickets beyond its capacity, causing several passengers to be stranded at Batangas Port. The Transportation Secretary also ordered compensation for the affected travelers.

According to PPA, the Batangas Port is expected to be busiest this Holy Week, with up to 25,000 passengers on average daily.