The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has heightened safety protocols across all ports nationwide to protect passengers, dock workers, and maritime stakeholders as the country faces the compounding effects of Tropical Storm Maymay on the heels of Tropical Storm Luis.
In response to the severe weather conditions, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago directed all Port Management Offices (PMOs) to immediately activate their Emergency Response Protocols in full alignment with the PPA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Manual.
“We are facing consecutive bad weather events, so we have intensified our preparations across all ports,” said GM Jay Santiago. “We continue to implement all necessary measures to safeguard our passengers, port workers, and stakeholders, while ensuring a rapid, coordinated response for anyone affected.”
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Inter-Agency Coordination: PMOs are working in close sync with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for real-time risk management and assistance.
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Facility & Equipment Readiness: Ports nationwide have secured emergency power systems, communication networks, first-aid kits, and essential relief stockpiles, including food and clean drinking water.
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Asset & Cargo Protection: Port authorities are actively securing infrastructure, docked vessels, and stored cargo to mitigate potential physical and financial damage caused by high winds and rough seas.
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24/7 Operations Monitoring: The PPA maintains round-the-clock monitoring of weather developments, port conditions, cancelled trips, stranded passengers, rolling cargoes, and vessel movements.
During the peak of Tropical Storm Luis, immediate relief efforts were demonstrated at PMO Bicol. Partnering with the DSWD Regional Office V, port officials distributed Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) packs to over 200 passengers stranded at the Port of Tabaco in Albay following trip cancellations along the Tabaco–San Andres/Virac (Catanduanes) routes. Similar relief mechanisms remain active as Tropical Storm Maymay impacts port operations.
The PPA strongly advises the traveling public to take the following precautions before traveling:
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Verify Trip Status: Contact your respective shipping line directly before heading to any port to confirm vessel schedules.
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Monitor Official Bulletins: Stay updated via official announcements from the PPA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), PAGASA, and local government units.
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Follow Official Channels: Real-time updates and travel advisories are regularly posted on the official PPA social media pages.
