PPA bracing for Lenten passenger surge

MANILA, Philippines —  Over 1.7 million travelers are expected to flock to different seaports nationwide to observe the Holy Week in their hometowns, according to the Philippine Ports Authority.

The PPA said the passenger volume is expected to reach 1.73 million – an increase of 3.5 percent compared to last year’s 1.67 million.

In the first three weeks of March alone, the PPA recorded 3,027,881 sea travelers nationwide or an average of over one million passengers per week.

The PPA said the figure indicated a strong resurgence in sea travel, almost close to pre-pandemic levels.

“We’re running close to 800,000-plus passengers at our ports since April 12, but we are nearing a million by midweek. It’s possible that we can surpass the estimated 1.7 million passengers,” PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay yesterday.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago agreed with Samonte, noting that more Filipinos are opting to travel by sea to visit their provinces, pilgrimage sites and vacation spots.

“We are prepared for the increased number of passengers this Holy Week 2025, especially as the Lenten season coincides with summer. Most of our local travelers are taking advantage of the longer days off, and it is also a great time for tourists to explore our islands through sea travel,” Santiago said.

The PPA said the five busiest port management offices  this season are Batangas, Mindoro, Panay/Guimaras, Negros Oriental/Siquijor and Bohol.

The Por  of Batangas is anticipated to accommodate between 20,000 and 25,000 passengers daily during peak days, the PPA said.

To ensure a smooth and secure travel experience, the PPA deployed additional personnel, readied power and water systems, improved terminal facilities and intensified security.

Help desks were established to assist passengers.

On Monday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Santiago inspected the Manila North Port Passenger Terminal.

PUV drivers test positive for drugs

Meanwhile, 13 drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) tested positive for illegal drugs during a random screening conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Bicol and Cebu on Tuesday.

Ten drivers tested positive at the Bicol Central Station in Naga and at the Legazpi Grand Terminal in Legazpi.

Of the 10, five and four are bus and tricycle drivers, respectively. The other is a UV Express driver. They were among 193 drivers who were subjected to drug tests to protect commuters during the Holy Week break.

In Cebu City, three PUV drivers also tested positive for illegal drug use. They were among 109 drivers from Cebu North and South bus terminals who were screened for illegal drugs.

The drivers will undergo confirmatory tests and were endorsed to the LTO.

The PDEA said no one among 285 drivers in Koronadal and General Santos cities tested positive for drugs.

The initiative is part of the implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act to ensure that only drug-free drivers are allowed to operate PUVs. –  Emmanuel Tupas