Port of Calapan | PHOTO: Official facebook page the Philippine Ports Authority
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Thursday reminded passengers to prepare early for their trips as ports anticipate about 2.2 million passengers to crowd the country’s ports.
PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte said ports expect an increase of passengers in 2023 to the recorded 1.2 million last year.
Passengers can expect a tight crowd, especially in these five ports— Batangas, Iloilo, Calapan, Jordan in Panay, and Bakbak in Davao.
The PPA also suggested that passengers arrive at the ports and book earlier than usual.
The agency also asked passengers to avoid fixers.
“Iwasan na po natin yung pagbabayad ng mga extra fees. Meron po kasi tayong mga nai-ire-report saatin yung mga fixer. Wag po kayo maniniwala kung meron man pong lumapit sa inyo sa mga pantalan na nanghihingi ng extra na bayad,” Samonte said in a public briefing.
(Let us avoid paying extra fees. The PPA receives some reports about fixers. Do not believe it if they come to you in ports.)
The agency likewise reminded passengers to “beat the heat” by bringing water and remaining patient this Holy Week.
PPA has upgraded several ports, including the Port of Oriental Mindoro and Coron. The agency hopes upgrades will finish before the Holy Week.
“Tuloy tuloy po ang ating pag-uupgrade ng mga terminal natin tsaka po lalo yung mga ating passenger terminal building natin. Dahil nga po ito yung panahon na peak season so make sure natin na umabot itong proyekto natin ngayon bago mag Holy Week.” Samonte said.
(Upgrades are going on in terminals and passenger terminal buildings. Because the peak season is coming, we are ensuring these projects are accomplished before Holy Week.)
The PPA also assured citizens that more projects and upgrades await the agency after the Holy Week. —MJ Soriano, trainee