DOTC all set for the Holy Week

AGENCIES under the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in Central Visayas have finished their preparations for the Holy Week.

In a meeting with the different agencies yesterday, Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete, who presided the meeting, said ambulances will be stationed at the airport and help desks will also be set up.

MCIAA is also addressing the air-conditioning system of the airport  amid complaints from tourists and concessionaires.

Villarete said the aircon compressors were busted and they are now fixing the problem.

They also ordered a new unit to upgrade the air-conditioning system of the airport.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in the Visayas (LTFRB-7) are issuing special permits to public utility vehicles and buses considering the influx of passengers during the Holy Week.

LTFRB Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said they already issued 119 special permits mostly to buses.

LTFRB will also set up help desks and conduct inspections to ensure road safety.

Cuizon also warned that taxi drivers taking advantage of the season and charging more from their passengers will be punished.

The Land Transportation Office will also  hold random drug testing and road worthiness tests of public vehicles and monitor overloading.

The Philippine Port Authority (PPA) in Region 7, the Cebu Port Authority, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Philippine Coast Guards are also working together to ensure comfort and safety in sea travel.

The PPA has checked the terminals in Region 7 and will provide additional tents and chairs,  drinking water and portalet to passengers.

The CPA, for its part, will put up a medical care center and a special place for senior citizens and disabled persons.

The Coast Guard has also established passenger assistance centers since March 29.  Additional K9 teams will be deployed as well.

Vessels will also be inspected to verify if they are equipped with enough life jackets and other equipment and if their cargos were properly secured to avoid mishaps./CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA