THE PHILIPPINE Ports Authority (PPA) said it has recorded a total of three million passengers from December 15 to December 27.
PPA initially expected 4.6 million passengers by January 5, but the actual number may exceed that, especially when passengers surge on December 29 and 30 to catch the New Year celebration back home.
“Mas marami ‘yung tinitingnan nating mga pasahero because we are initially expecting 4.6 million passengers from Dec. 15 to Jan. 5. Pero sa ngayon po, medyo marami na talaga dahil nasa three million plus na po tayo,” PPA Spokesperson Eunice Samonte told DZMM Teleradyo.
(We are eyeing more passengers because we are initially expecting 4.6 million passengers from Dec. 15 to Jan. 5. But now, the number is high because we are already at three million plus.)
Samonte said PPA is still expecting a high volume of passengers in provincial ports, including those in Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol, Davao and Batangas.
‘Arrive on time’
While the spokesperson assured the public that all passengers who arrive in the ports will be catered to accordingly, she encouraged them to arrive at least three to four hours before their departure time.
“‘Yung mga maaga pumunta sa pantalan kahit matagal pa ang byahe, pwede naman sila mag-stay dito sa ating pantalan. Pero syempre mas maganda po kung on time yung pagpunta nila,” Samonte said.
(Those who arrive in ports early despite a still far departure time are allowed to stay, but it is still ideal to arrive on time.)
Samonte also reminded passengers to check their trips whether they will push through, be delayed or cancelled before coming to the ports.
While the ports operate 24/7, some shipping lines may cancel trips due to various reasons, including ship shortages.
Some shipping lines may also not operate on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, added Samonte.
The PPA official also urged shipping lines to inform their passengers of the status of their trips, especially if they will be delayed or suspended.
Samonte once again reminded passengers not to carry firecrackers, deadly weapons and flammable materials in their trips.
She said many have been confiscated from passengers, including lighter, swiss knife, and more.
“Ang atin pong paalala, ‘wag na po magdala ng mga bagay na ikaaabala, which is ‘yung mga matatalas at flammable materials. Hindi po talaga iyan papayagan. Kahit saan po itago, makikita po iyan sa scanner,” she said.
(We remind everyone not to carry objects that will interrupt their trips, which are the sharp and flammable materials. They are strictly prohibited. Wherever you hide it, the scanner will detect it.” (ABS-CBN News)
