The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) today reassured the public that all ports nationwide are fully prepared and on high alert to accommodate the surge of travelers heading home for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Recognizing the deep cultural importance of the holiday season for Filipino families, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago emphasized that the agency has mobilized all necessary resources to ensure that journeys remain safe, orderly, and comfortable for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), balikbayans, and domestic tourists.
“Alam po natin kung gaano kahalaga ang makauwi ngayong Pasko. Kaya po sinisiguro ng PPA na handa ang ating mga pantalan, may sapat na personnel, at tuloy-tuloy ang pagbabantay upang maging maayos at ligtas ang biyahe ng bawat pasahero,” said GM Santiago.
To manage the seasonal influx of passengers, the PPA has activated a comprehensive “heightened readiness” protocol across all its managed facilities:
No-Leave Policy: All critical port personnel are on duty to ensure 24/7 operational continuity.
Increased Manpower: Additional frontline staff have been deployed to high-traffic areas to assist travelers and manage queues.
Strict Security Screening: Enhanced baggage checks and security patrols are in place. To date, operations have remained peaceful, with security teams successfully intercepting prohibited items, including bladed weapons and flammable materials.
Continuous Monitoring: Terminal operations are being monitored in real-time to address potential bottlenecks immediately.
To maintain high service standards, GM Santiago is scheduled to conduct random surprise inspections at various PPA-managed ports throughout the holiday break. These visits aim to personally verify that safety protocols are being strictly followed and that passenger amenities are functioning optimally.
The PPA advises all passengers to arrive at the ports early, follow terminal rules, and cooperate with security personnel to ensure a hassle-free journey to their home provinces.
