On Holy Wednesday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported monitoring a significant surge in travelers, with over 19,000 outbound and 14,000 inbound passengers across the nation’s ports. This heightened activity marks the beginning of the annual Holy Week exodus, with the PCG conducting thorough inspections on 218 vessels and 56 motorbancas to ensure safety and compliance.
In anticipation of the travel peak, the PCG has heightened its alert status from March 24 to 31, deploying additional personnel to manage the increased passenger flow and prevent overloading of vessels. The PCG also offers assistance through its official communication channels for travelers seeking information on travel protocols and regulations during this busy period.
Particularly busy are the Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ports along the eastern and western seaboards, with Central and Eastern Visayas also experiencing notable increases in maritime traffic. To accommodate the rising number of travelers, extra trips have been arranged at key ports like Batangas and Mindoro.
The Batangas Port, a crucial hub for Holy Week travel, is expected to reach its peak passenger volume on Holy Wednesday. Travelers are advised to allocate ample time, up to seven hours, to secure transportation to their destinations.
The transport sector is responding to the surge, with additional buses and special permits in place to handle the increased demand for travel to provincial destinations. Meanwhile, major thoroughfares and transport terminals, including the North Luzon Expressway and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, are preparing for the anticipated spike in traffic and passenger volume.
This coordinated effort by transportation authorities and service providers aims to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the thousands of Filipinos traveling during the Holy Week.