As the nation prepares for the year-end holiday rush, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Assistant General Manager for Operations (AGMO), Atty. Mark Jon S. Palomar, conducted a surprise inspection of the NorthPort Passenger Terminal on Friday.
The unannounced visit was part of the PPA’s proactive “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” initiative, designed to ensure that port facilities are fully prepared for the anticipated influx of passengers traveling to provinces for the New Year celebrations.
During the walkthrough, Atty. Palomar evaluated the terminal’s operational readiness, specifically focusing on passenger traffic management. Key areas of review included:
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Crowd Control Measures: Streamlining ticketing and boarding processes to prevent congestion.
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Service Quality: Ensuring that waiting areas, sanitation facilities, and help desks are fully functional and staffed.
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Security Protocols: Verifying the presence and alertness of port police and security personnel.
“Our goal is to ensure that every traveler experiences a seamless and dignified journey,” said Atty. Palomar. “By conducting these surprise inspections, we can see the actual ground conditions and immediately address any bottlenecks that might hinder the comfort and safety of the riding public.”
With the New Year festivities approaching, the PPA issued a stern reminder regarding prohibited items. Atty. Palomar emphasized that the PPA is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on hazardous materials.
“We are reminding the public that fireworks, firecrackers, and all flammable materials are strictly prohibited inside the port premises and on board all vessels,” Palomar stated. “These items pose a significant fire risk and threaten the safety of thousands of passengers. Please cooperate with our security screenings to avoid any delays or legal complications.”
The PPA continues to coordinate closely with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local law enforcement to maintain 24/7 monitoring of port hubs across the country. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure and to follow all posted safety signs and terminal regulations.
For real-time updates on port operations and travel advisories, the public may follow the Philippine Ports Authority’s official social media pages.
