The Philippine Ports Authority on Thursday advised vacationers for this upcoming long holiday not only to travel light but to bring tons of patience, as they will likely endure long queues in ports because the number of vessels servicing passengers remains scarce.

"That is the concern that we always raise, that the reason why we are having passenger congestion is because we lack vessels. In fact, in my understanding, MARINA (Marina Industry Authority Authority) has already relaxed the scheduling of vessels at Matnog Port. I hope they can also do it here in Batangas Port, which is the second largest port in the country, as well as on the other side, the Calapan Port," said Santiago during an inspection of Batangas Port on Thursday.

He said that by relaxing the scheduling of vessels, turnaround time will be faster and vessels will no longer have to go through berth waiting time.

Earlier, PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said they expect 1.4 million passengers to flock to various ports in the country in the lead-up to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this 30 October. Travellers are also heading to the provinces for the observance of All Saints and All Souls Day on 1 and 2 November.

Santiago reminded passengers not to pay additional charges such as travel insurance, which scrupulous individuals are soliciting outside ports.

"Travel insurances for passengers are covered by the common carrier insurance that is being paid by shipping companies. Do not be fooled by these individuals," he said.

Starting Friday, 27 October up to the weekend, some 17,000 to 20,000 passengers are expected to head to Batangas Port, he added.

Meanwhile, MARINA on Thursday said it has already advised shipping companies to make sure their online ticketing systems are up and running to ensure the smooth processing of passengers.

Eased shipping schedules

In a separate statement, MARINA said that in anticipation of the forthcoming "Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election and Undas 2023," the MARINA Regional Office 4 has issued a directive to relax the authorized schedule of trips for shipping operators within its jurisdiction, in anticipation of the expected surge in passengers and cargo in the coming days.

The directive aims to ensure the safe, reliable and convenient transportation of passengers and rolling cargo while accommodating the heightened demand. The relaxation of schedules is guided by the conditions outlined in MARINA Advisory No. 2015-10, which provides "Guidelines during Emergency, Holiday Season, and Special Occasion."

Key provisions of the said directive include immediate departure when passenger and cargo capacities are met, prompt return to congested ports, increased sailing frequencies and a strict "First Come, First Served" policy for passengers and cargo.

MARINA said that in cases where the measures taken to address congestion and meet demand prove insufficient, other shipping companies or operators may be authorized to deploy their vessels to ensure the swift recovery of affected areas from emergency situations, congestion or similar circumstances.

"Changes or adjustments in ship schedules will be allowed with written confirmation from MARINA and are subject to modification, cancellation, or revocation for valid reasons. A copy of this order will be provided to concerned shipping lines and government agencies, with a particular focus on the PCG, its stations, PPA, and local government units," the statement read.

The directive is effective from 27 October 2023 to 6 November 2023, or until shipping operations on the affected routes return to normal, whichever occurs earlier.