The Philippine Ports Authority said Wednesday that vacationers flocking to various ports in the country may surpass 1.4 million during the long weekend.

Malacañang has recently declared 30 October 2023 as a regular national holiday through Presidential Proclamation No. 359 s.2023 for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, while 1 and 2 November are regular holidays — All Saints and All Souls Day, respectively.

"This year's forecast of 1,422,406 passenger traffic is 6 percent higher than the figure recorded in 2022 which was 1,337,396 mainly caused by the relaxing of travel requirements after the Covid-19 pandemic. It is likewise significantly higher than the 500,000 plus number of passengers recorded in 2020 covering the same dates,"  PPA general manager Atty. Jay Santiago said in an interview.

The influx of passengers is also expected to start on 28 October based on the data gathered by PPA over the past years, he added.

Among the ports with the highest number of passengers recorded in 2022 were the ports in Iloilo, Batangas, Babak Port in Davao, Dumangas Port in Panay Island and the ports in Negros Occidental.

"Plan your trips early and make sure you have all your bookings confirmed. Also, check with the shipping lines for any change in schedule and don't bring unnecessary items, especially prohibited items, and check with local government units on prohibited agricultural and meat products," Santiago reminded travelers.

No leave policy

To ensure full workforce complement and maintain strict security protocol at public ports, Santiago issued a "No Leave Policy" effective Wednesday, 25 October to 8 November 2023.

In a memorandum issued on 23 October 2023, Santiago instructed all PPA personnel to refrain from availing leave of absence during this time when port services are mostly needed.

"As the lead agency in the passenger operation of PPA-managed ports nationwide, we have a huge responsibility in ensuring that sea travel of the public, especially during this coming BSKE and Undas, remains convenient, safe, and responsive to their needs, thus, the implementation of this No Leave Policy,"  Santiago said.

PPA also heightened its security measures at 25 port management offices nationwide. The measures include strict security, 24/7 CCTV monitoring and K9 dogs roving in all port vicinity, passenger luggage passing through x-ray machines and passengers passing through body scanners.

The PPA said the public can check its social media pages for hourly updates or inquire via the PPA hotline, which operates 24/7 for any port-related questions through landline number (02) 8711-2360.

Marina's effort

Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Atty. Hernani Fabia said they have already coordinated with the domestic shipping lines to ensure that their online ticketing systems are up and running for the convenience of travelers.

"It is one of my orders to Enforcement Service and MROs (Marina Regional Offices)," according to Fabia.