The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects that more than 1.6 million passengers will flock at various seaports across the country due to the upcoming long weekend.
In preparation for the predicted influx of passengers, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago directed all department heads to ensure that the agency has sufficient personnel for port operations up to port security.
Santiago also disapproved all leaves of absence, filed since October 23, for October 25 until November 4.
"Mahalaga ito para masiguro na naibibigay ang buong serbisyo sa mga mananakay at iba mga port user ngayong Undas at long weekend," Santiago said on Tuesday, October 29, in a statement.
"Kasabay ng pag-obserba sa All Saint’s Day at All Souls’ Day ay nasusuportahan din natin ang domestic tourism at natitiyak ang kanilang seguridad at maginhawa sila sa ating mga pantalan," he added.
PPA forecasts that the total number of passengers will reach up to 1,621,529, five percent higher compared to the 1,544,313 passengers recorded during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in 2023.
During Undas 2023, PPA mentioned that the Port Management Office (PMO) of Panay/Guimaras registered the most number of passengers (146,781), followed by PMO Batangas (146,710), PMO Mindoro (143,904), PMO Negros Orr/Siquijor (129,880), and PMO Bohol (127,332).
