MANILA – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects a total of 4.5 million port passengers nationwide this December, much higher than the number of passengers in November.
In a statement, PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte said more passengers are expected to travel this holiday season due to the lower than usual passenger turnout during the “Undas” (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) holidays due to a series of typhoons.
“November po ay nagkaroon tayo ng bahagyang decline sa mga pasahero dahil sa sunod-sunod na bagyo. Kaya ngayong December ay inaasahan natin na yung mga naka-biyahe noong November ay dadagsa din sa mga pantalan (In November we had a slight decline in the number of passengers due to the subsequent typhoons. That’s why we’re expecting that those unable to travel in November will travel this December),” Samonte said.
In November, the PPA reported a total of 1.076 million passengers from October 28 to November 4, 34 percent lower than the expected 1.622 million and also lower than the 1.544 million passengers recorded during the same period last year.
The PPA, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, reminded the passengers who will bring their pets to get shipping permits from the Bureau of Animal Industry-National Quarantine Services.
“Kasama rin sa mga requirements ang Veterinary Health Certificate na ibinibigay ng inyong mga paboritong beterinaryo (The requirements also include the Veterinary Health Certificate issued by your favorite veterinarians),” it added.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) also advised sea passengers to always check the weather and travel schedules before leaving their homes and to sign the passenger manifest and check-in online before boarding their vessel.
MARINA also reminded sea travelers to avoid bunching up when aboard a boat to keep it from tipping over and to report any suspicious activities to ship crew members or port officers. (PNA)