MANILA, Philippines — The massive movement of people for the Lenten break continued to intensify on Holy Wednesday, April 1, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recording over 44,000 passengers in ports nationwide within the first six hours of the day.
The latest situation report from the PCG, covering midnight to 6 a.m., logged 22,135 outbound passengers and 22,503 inbound travelers. This follows a staggering volume on Holy Tuesday, March 31, where nearly 340,000 individuals (186,952 outbound and 152,492 inbound) were recorded traveling via sea.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects the total passenger traffic for this year’s Semana Santa to reach 2.46 million by Easter Sunday (April 5). This represents a modest 1.17 percent increase from the 2.41 million recorded in 2025.
PPA officials noted that while travel remains high, the “modest growth” is likely due to a combination of slower economic momentum and cautious household spending amid the ongoing global energy crisis and high inflation.
To manage the influx and ensure maritime safety, the PCG has remained on full alert since March 28. In the early hours of Wednesday alone:
- 206 vessels and 32 motorbancas were thoroughly inspected by 16 PCG districts.
- Over 17,000 personnel have been deployed across the archipelago to man help desks and monitor port facilities.
The PPA is also heavily promoting the use of its Online Reservation Assistance System (ORAS), particularly for high-traffic hubs like the Batangas and Lucena ports. “We encourage passengers to enroll in the system to make their trip smoother and faster. This service is free of charge,” said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago.
With the heaviest traffic expected this afternoon and into Maundy Thursday, authorities are urging the public to:
- Arrive Early: Be at the terminal at least 3 to 4 hours before the scheduled departure.
- Verify Bookings: Confirm tickets through official online platforms to avoid falling victim to fixers.
- Monitor Weather: While the focus remains on the “state of national energy emergency,” travelers are reminded to check for localized weather disturbances that could affect small-craft operations.
The heightened alert status will remain in place until April 5 as the PCG anticipates a return surge of travelers over the Easter weekend.