MANILA – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to deploy its full manpower over the coming long weekend as over 1.6 million passengers are expected to converge in ports nationwide for the traditional exodus of travelers for “Undas”.
In a statement on Tuesday, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago ordered department heads to ensure a sufficient number of personnel, from port operations to port security.
He invalidated all leaves of absence made by PPA employees from October 25 to November 4.
“Mahalaga ito para masiguro na naibibigay ang buong serbisyo sa mga mananakay at iba mga port user ngayong Undas at long weekend. Kasabay ng pag-obserba sa All Saints’ Day at All Souls’ Day ay nasusuportahan din natin ang domestic tourism (This is important as it ensures that all travelers and other port users receive good service during Undas. Aside from the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, this also supports our domestic tourism),” Santiago said.
The PPA expects around 1, 621, 529 passengers to travel through PPA ports during this year’s Undas, five percent higher than last year’s 1, 544, 313.
Last year, the Port Management Office (PMO) of Panay/Guimaras logged the most passenger traffic at 146, 781 passengers, followed by PMO Batangas at 146, 710, PMO Mindoro at 143, 904, PMO Negros Orr/Siquijor at 129, 880, and PMO Bohol at 127, 332.
Santiago said Severe Tropical Storm Kristine caused around PhP 110.76 million worth of damage in ports nationwide.
However, there are no major damage and all ports are back in operation, he said.
Santiago also ordered port managers to provide priority assistance to relief operations —particularly power restoration teams and government delivery trucks— in areas affected by Kristine. (PNA)