In preparation for the anticipated Holy Week travel rush, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago conducted an inspection of the Manila NorthPort Passenger Terminal on Monday, April 14, 2025. They were joined by representatives from port operator Manila North Harbour Port Inc. (MNHPI) and shipping line 2GO Group Inc.
During the inspection, Secretary Dizon confirmed that the port is ready to handle the influx of passengers expected on Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, with an estimated 2,000 travelers passing through the terminal daily.
Passenger facilities are fully operational, including air-conditioned waiting rooms for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children. Help desks and port police, supported by K9 units, are also on standby to maintain security. Additionally, amenities such as a water refilling station and mobile charging areas are available to enhance passenger comfort.
Beyond operational readiness, DOTr and PPA officials announced plans to roll out the long-delayed online ticketing system for domestic sea travel before the end of 2025. This initiative is part of the government’s push for safer, more transparent, and convenient travel.
“I don’t understand why this is only happening now. President Bongbong Marcos has emphasized that passenger safety and convenience must always come first,” said Secretary Dizon.
The new electronic ticketing system is expected to streamline port operations by reducing queues, preventing overbooking, and enabling real-time monitoring of passenger volume.
According to GM Santiago, the system has already completed the procurement process and is now under final evaluation for full deployment. “It would’ve been ideal to have launched this back in 2022, but delays happened. Secretary Dizon has now given clear direction to move it forward. At the PPA, we believe it’s time for a modern, transparent ticketing solution,” Santiago added.
Once fully implemented, the system is projected to significantly improve the travel experience at major seaports nationwide.
This Holy Week, the PPA estimates that up to 1.73 million passengers will travel via ports across the country between April 12 and 20, with the heaviest traffic expected on Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday.
